Mennonite Brethren Herald October 2014

THANKSGIVING P R AY E R S

The joys of

WILLINGDON’S

ELECTRONIC TITHING

John Neufeld resigns

O C T O B E R 2 014 W W W. M B H E R A L D.CO M

Still working during the “autumn” of life a-camping we will go: An interview with Merv Boschman

“Menno Simons is my homeboy” Volume 53, No. 10 Publications mail registration number: 09648; Agreement number: 40009297

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circ. Dept., MB Herald, 1310 Taylor Avenue, Winnipeg, Man. R3M 3Z6

The gratitude we intend

SOURCE UNKNOWN

DIANE TUCKER

Jesus Heals the Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11–19)

WA LT E R B R U E G G E M A N N

The witnesses tell of your boundless generosity,

and their telling is compelling to us:

You give your word to call the worlds into being;

You give your sovereign rule to emancipate the slaves

and the oppressed;

You give your commanding fidelity to form your own people;

You give your life for the life of the world...

broken bread that feeds,

poured out wine that binds and heals.

You give...we receive...and are thankful.

We begin this day in gratitude,

thanks that is a match for your self-giving,

gratitude in gifts offered,

gratitude in tales told,

gratitude in lives lived.

Gratitude willed, but no so readily lived,

held back by old wounds turned to powerful resentment,

retarded by early fears become vague anxiety,

restrained by self-sufficiency in a can-do arrogance,

blocked by amnesia unable to recall gifts any longer.

Do this yet. Create innocent space for us this day

for the gratitude we intend.

In thankfulness,

we will give,

we will tell,

we will live, your gift through us to gift the world. Amen.

This prayer was taken from Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth: Prayers of Walter Brueggemann (2002) and reproduced by permission of Augsburg Fortress Publishers.

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October 2014  www.mbherald.com

FEATURES 10 Camps proclaim the gospel message A conversation with camping ministries coach Merv Boschman

12 The Apprentice Apprentice programs prepare the next generation of leaders for church ministry –Gladys Terichow

15 Put your shoes on and go A profile of Salome Hiebert –Angeline Schellenberg

16 This septuagenarian still works and expects to work in God’s future kingdom –Raymond O. Bystrom

COLUMNS 4 Editorial La difference – in you –Karla Braun

8 Executive director Gratitude along a hard road –Willy Reimer

9 Text message ROMANS 14 Arguing in church? Just stop it!

CONNECT WITH US ONLINE DIGITAL EDITION issuu.com FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/MBHerald TWITTER twitter.com/MB_Herald WEBSITE mbherald.com

–Michael Krause

34 Intersection of faith and life Presence in a broken world –Matt Dyck

JOBS jobs.mbherald.com PDF SUBSCRIPTION Email karla.braun@mbchurches.ca to subscribe via email

DEPARTMENTS 5 Letters 6 Homepage 19 News in story 24 Transitions, births, weddings 29 Finish lines [Obituaries] 32 Crosscurrents

COVER STYLING AND PRODUCT: Tatiana Penner, owner of Winnipeg’s Oak & Lily flower shop and member of North Kildonan MB Church. PHOTO: Dustin Wiebe CORRECTION: In September’s “Pull up a chair,” class participants should have been identified as Jason Friesen and Freda Klassen.

CANCELLATION: Please note that the ENGAGE 2015 seminar at Briercrest College mentioned in James Penner’s “Remain in Me” article has been cancelled.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD October 2014

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Editorial La difference – in you K ARL A BR AUN

Ta vie peut faire la difference. “Your life could make the difference.”

That was the tagline of MB Mission’s ACTION program in France this summer. A collaboration with the evangelical Mennonite churches in Alsace, ACTION France brings together French-speaking participants from churches in North America and Europe to grow in faith as they learn and serve together. I was one of them.

It’s an inspiring slogan, but I wonder if it doesn’t give the wrong impression about what short-term mission trips actually accomplish. Certainly, God uses our obedience to build his kingdom when we risk great things for him. But perhaps the kingdom is built as much in the lives of his servants as in the locales where we serve.

Life transformation Short-term mission takes a fair bit of criticism – some of it deserved – for culturally myopic groups who tromp through foreign countries, making huge demands on their hosts while performing some ineffective or unnecessary work. Fortunately, MB Mission works hard to avert those horrors.

Upon acceptance to ACTION, I received The Next Mile: Goer Guide by Brian Heerwagen. The 116-page book not only teaches how to prepare for and have a fruitful trip, but also how to extend the benefit of that journey beyond the flight home – both in the life of the participant and the sending congregation.

All MB Mission’s short-term programs dedicate significant time to preparation and debrief. ACTION France includes a full week of orientation and debrief at the beginning and conclusion, leaving merely three weeks for active ministry in the middle. We had sessions on prayer and global perspectives and reconciliation both before and after our weeks of “mission” to help ready us for our experiences.

There was great value in serving sideby-side with local churches and existing ministries. My goal was to encourage the French churches, and I believe they were.

What the trip truly accomplished, though, wasn’t a task. It taught me the humility of 4

October 2014 www.mbherald.com

helplessness. Whereas in English, I have linguistic mastery, in French, I have the competence of a little child. I had to learn to offer grace to myself, and find value in simply being and inhabiting the identity of a child of God, irrespective of what I could do.

The stories of impact we shared focused more on what we were learning about God and ourselves than how we saw God transforming others.

The straight scoop That’s no reason to stop going, but it begs the question whether our language might better reflect the reality.

“Let’s drop the ‘mission trip’ lingo,” Jennifer Murch suggested in a column on shorttermers posted on the Mennonite World Review. During her three years’ Mennonite

It’s not what you do that turns your mission trip into a success but what you allow God to do in you. If the first equipping tool is setting up proper expectations, could we adjust our language to do that? “Learning and service” is just as full of sacrifice, risktaking, interdependence, prayer and sharing as “mission” – and it’s much clearer.

Within MB circles, some have begun to use this language. Cross-cultural tours facilitated by staff from Canadian

Perhaps the kingdom is built as much in the lives of God’s servants as in the locales where we serve.

Central Committee service in Guatemala, Murch benefitted from gaining local perspectives on both the good and bad of short-term groups.

The good ones, she writes, “are upfront about their reason for travelling: to experience, understand and appreciate.” The locals these people serve alongside know the difference.

“Let’s call these groups for what they are: learning groups,” she challenges.

To avoid the mistakes of the past, could we rename these journeys according to their effects?

Chapter after chapter in Goer Guide focuses on the attitude and experiences of the trip participant. The goal is to equip participants with a perspective that will enable them to serve well as they learn from new people and a new place. It seems inescapable that short-term mission is really about the person who goes.

Mennonite University, Mennonite Economic Development Associates and Mennonite Central Committee are called “learning tours,” equipping participants with right expectations from the moment they sign up.

Bethany College, Hepburn, Sask., has for more than a decade called its weeklong off-campus ministry a “service and learning module,” rather than a mission trip. This shifts the emphasis from what the participant will do in the new setting to what God will do in and through the goer.

Let’s continue to support young people – and those of more advanced ages too! – on cross-cultural ministry experiences that serve established churches and mission partners. But what if we embarked with the humble expectation that “this trip could make a difference in your life”?

It did in mine.

Letters Trying to appear more spiritual Re “Herald scope too narrow” (Letters, August).

I agree with John Konrad’s comments regarding the term “missional.” Terms like this aren’t understood except by those who want to sound more “spiritual” than the rest of us. We also hear people talking about “passionate prayer” – again, what does that really mean? Is it different from sincere prayer or silent prayer or simple prayer?

As I viewed the August cover page and noticed the people gathered in what appears to be a public square, heads bowed and hands upon someone to bless him, I was reminded of the Scripture where Christ says, “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others” (Matthew 6:5).

DAVID WIEBE GRANTHAM, ONT.

Growing feeling of disconnect Re Gathering 2014 (August). Over the past decade, CCMBC has been moving toward a topdown leadership model I believe more properly belongs in the corporate world, placing any decision making in the hands of just a few.

Going to convention used to be a “family affair” – a time when members of CCMBC gathered to listen to stories, plan for the future and make actual decisions. Today, conventions have become venues for product and ministry displays and a place to hear a few reports. There’s rarely any voting on issues, except perhaps on some kind of pre-approved budget. It seems that members’ questions are an inconvenience to the business of CCMBC. It is very exciting to see good things happening in both old and new MB churches. But the deep feeling of belonging to a larger group of believers who describe themselves as Anabaptist Christ followers seems to be increasingly non-existent.

PAUL DURKSEN MEDICINE HAT, ALTA.

Statement baffling Re “Statement of Anabaptist Church Leaders to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Hearing, Edmonton, Alta.” (Letters, May). The statement by Anabaptist church leaders left me confused and incredulous. The claim of responsibility for abuse is overreaching and seems disingenuous.

However, encouraging churches to reach out to Aboriginal peoples in practical and

loving ways is a positive note. Take, for example, Erna Sawatzky, [a Mennonite who worked in northern Saskatchewan from 1952–1967, and was recognized as a pioneer in the field of Native education]. She was highly reputed, acknowledged and lauded by Shawn Atleo, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations and by other native peoples’ representatives.

WALTER WIEBE VICTORIA

OVERHEARD ONLINE: Do more than pray Re “Prayers for Iraq” (Editorial, September).

Yes, we should always pray about everything as Scripture says. However, we shouldn’t be surprised [when persecution happens]. It’s understandable for us to “push back” at evil forces. But Jesus said “Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also” (John 15:20). As much as we pray for others, we better be praying for ourselves, as Jesus did for Peter, that our faith may not fail during the “sifting.”

Also, we have an obligation to do more than pray. Throughout both the Old and New Testaments is the principle of the strong helping and protecting the weak. There’s a difference between letting my own cheek be slapped or my own cloak be taken, and standing by while women and children are being kidnapped, raped, beheaded and so on.

LORNE WELWOOD ABBOTSFORD, B.C.

Thanks from across the globe Re “A beautiful faith” (Homepage, August).

Forty-five years ago, I met a missionary couple from the North American MB conference and was taught [a] message from [the] Bible by him, man-to-man, for one-and-a-half years to be baptized in his name. My identity as a Christian was formed and strengthened, fortunately, by spending [time] with the MB church for 25 years. The missionary and his wife are my spiritual parents. After that, I and my family moved to our present home and go to a church in our area (United Church of Christ in Japan). I love [the] MB church so dear. Thank you.

NOBORU TANIZUKA JAPAN

continued on page 25

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OCTOBER 2014 Mennonite Brethren Herald is published monthly by the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, primarily for the use of its members, to build a Canadian MB community of faith. We seek to 1) share the life and story of the church by nurturing relationships among members and engaging in dialogue and reflection; 2) teach and equip for ministry by reflecting MB theology, values and heritage, and by sharing the good news; 3) enable communication by serving conference ministries and informing our members about the church and the world. However, the opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the church as a whole.

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MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD October 2014

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homepage Youth pastor peddles Mennonite fashion for MCC

PHOTO: COURTESY JONATHAN KORNELSEN

When Jonathan Kornelsen’s “Menno Simons is my homeboy” t-shirt made his father laugh out loud, Kornelsen knew his idea was gravy – or gold. The youth pastor at Chilliwack, B.C.’s Central Community Church expects to sell hundreds of t-shirts at Mennonite Central Committee relief sales in B.C., Alberta and Manitoba this fall.

“We have three goals,” says Kornelsen. “First, laugh.

Second, help MCC. And third, create conversations – about who we are as a body of believers” while poking some gentle fun at Mennonite stereotypes.

Jonathan Kornelsen, Ron Van Akker and Tyler Stobbe sell “Mennonite” t-shirts to raise money for MCC.

Kornelsen calls it a labour of love: “It’s one of the ways I can give back and say thank you to MCC, because if it were not for this organization, my family would not have been able to migrate to Canada in 1949.”—Barrie McMaster, B.C. correspondent

World Food Day

“Feeding the world, caring for the earth”

PHOTO: CARA ABRAHAMS

he UN General Assembly designated 2014 the “International Year of Family Farming.”

On behalf of Mennonite Brethren churches and more than 15 other denominations, the Canadian Foodgrains Bank helps build food security. Last year, the Foodgrains Bank spent more than $11 million on agriculture and livelihood programs: teaching farmers new methods of soil preservation, supplying tools, improving water access and organizing collectives to help families have more stable access to food and employment.

“Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.”—2 Corinthians 9:13

Did you know?

In Brazil, family farms provide, on average, 40% of the production of a selection of major crops, working on less than 25% of the farmland.

T

Abundant Acre farmer and Highland Community Church member Andy Abrahams harvests potatoes with his daughter.

Download the Thanksgiving and World Food Day 2014 Worship Resource from foodgrainsbank.ca for prayers, songs, Scripture and readings.

BRICKS AND MORTAR As of this fall, the Saskatchewan Conference of MB Churches has an office. You can visit director of ministry Terrance Froese and his team above the Mid-West Collision Centre at 201–401 43rd St East, Saskatoon, SK 306-652-2752 6

October 2014 www.mbherald.com

Mailing address remains PO Box 25030, River Heights Saskatoon, SK S7K 8B7

coming events Conference events:

Throughout 2014, we’re highlighting an ICOMB partner so you can support our brothers and sisters around the world by learning about and praying for them.

Mennonitische Freikirche Österreich (Mennonite Free Church of Austria) Congregations: 5 Members: 450

During the Protestant Reformation, 80% of Austrians followed the Reformers, particularly Luther. But under the Hapsburg Counter-Reformation, many of the citizens became re-Catholicized and the Roman Catholic church became a dominant power in religious society.

Today, some three-quarters of Austrians identify as Christian, 73.6% as Roman Catholic, 4.7% as mainline Protestant, with the free church (including Baptists, Pentecostals and Mennonites) comprising less than one percent of Austria’s 8 million people.

The first MB church in Austria rose out of North American Mennonite relief ministry to Eastern European refugees following WWII. MB Mission’s Richard Funk reports openness to the gospel among the younger generation in a country where many are disillusioned with the church.

Recently, the Austrian government offered free church denominations state recognition if they could partner under one umbrella.

Aug. 26, 2013, a partnership of 5 evangelical denominations representing 160 churches – including the MFO – were granted legal status.

This new law opens the door for free-church religion classes in public schools, prison and hospital ministry, access to public media, the right to show films in church and an easier visa process for mission workers.

PRAISE GOD for the unity between the 5 evangelical denominations and the miracle of a change of heart among Austria’s government officials.

PRAY for student ministries in Vienna’s 7 universities.

PRAY that MB congregations will find creative ways to reach their neighbourhoods with the gospel.

new email addresses for CCMBC Canadian conference staff have new email addresses.

You can now reach conference employees at firstname.lastname@mbchurches.ca. (mbconf.ca emails will continue to be forwarded)

Oct. 3: C2C Network Ontario celebration banquet, New Hope Church Niagara, St. Catharines, Ont. Oct. 5–7: ABMB pastor and spouse’s retreat, Canmore, Alta.

Oct. 5–7: SKMB pastor and spouse’s retreat, Dallas Valley Ranch Camp, Sask.

Oct. 7: C2C Network B.C. celebration banquet, Willingdon, Burnaby, B.C. Oct. 17: C2C Network Alberta celebration banquet, Calgary.

Oct. 17–19: Annual youth leadership retreat, Camp Crossroads, Torrance, Ont. Oct. 17–19: AWAKE Winnipeg, Fort Garry MB Church.

Oct. 18: 40th anniversary celebration at annual fall supper, Snow Lake (Man.) Christian Centre.

Oct. 24–26: “Network” men’s retreat, Camp Crossroads, Torrance, Ont. Oct. 29: C2C Network Manitoba celebration banquet, Winnipeg.

Oct. 30: C2C Network Manitoba celebration banquet, Winkler, Man. Nov. 2: 50th anniversary celebration, Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon.

Nov. 17–20: C2C Network church planter retreat, Victoria.

Nov. 21–23: 50th anniversary celebration, South Langley (B.C.) Church.

Dec. 2–4: C2C Network assessment centre, Toronto, Ont. Partner events:

Oct. 30–Nov. 1: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Bethany College fall theatre, Hepburn, Sask.

Nov. 7: Disciple Making International (DMI) global mission banquet, King Road MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C. July 17–19, 2015: Mennonite World Conference Global Youth Summit, Messiah College, Mechanicsburg, Pa. July 21–26, 2015: Mennonite World Conference Assembly 16, Harrisburg, Pa. View more events from churches, schools and agencies at mbherald. com/calendar.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD October 2014

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Gratitude along a hard road

R

ecently, I was driving in a foreign city known for its aggressive drivers. As I navigated the busy streets, watching people cut each other off, tailgate and make illegal turns, I noticed that, by and large, no one got angry. They all abided by an unwritten “system” that everyone intuitively understood.

I also noticed that almost no one thanked another person in traffic. Gratitude wasn’t part of the system.

Do we drive with a sense of gratitude and grace? When someone allows us to merge, do we give a quick wave of thanks in the rearview mirror?

As I drive throughout Canada, I notice when there’s “driving grace,” the ride is more enjoyable. I’m more likely to create space for the foibles of others. I’m less agitated, the running commentary in my head is more positive and I arrive at my destination in a better mood.

Despair to thanksgiving

Willy Reimer

Jeremiah’s deepest despair (vs. 18–20) turns to hope as he remembers the Lord.

As I reflected on this topic, I began to note some things I was thankful for in this season of my life. The complete list is too long for this space, but I’ll touch on a few highlights.

In his commentary on Jeremiah and Lamentations, F.B. Huey says the writer’s despair “was displaced by a beautiful affirmation of hope in spite of suffering.

The basis for renewed hope is God’s ‘great love.’

I’m so grateful for the people with whom I work. Local church staff, volunteers and provincial and national leaders who are dedicated, Jesus-loving people. The CCMBC team across Canada who love Jesus and the local church. My senior team who have given their lives to Christ and his cause. Board members who serve locally, provincially and nationally, and

“Another basis of hope is God’s unfailing ‘compassions’ (rahamim; from a word related to the womb, it describes the tender, caring love of a mother), which are experienced in a fresh and new way every day,” explains Huey.

The presence of Christ in the midst of our pain and disillusionment invites us to hope, which in turn leads us to gratitude.

“Verse 23 is the best-known verse in Lamentations (memorialized by the popular hymn ‘Great Is Thy Faithfulness’)….

Contrary to the way neighbouring peoples viewed their gods, the Jews now understood their God to be faithful to them, and there is no greater hope than knowing that God is totally reliable.”

give of their personal time with joy and passion. The many prayer warriors who faithfully pray for their pastors, churches and leaders.

This Thanksgiving season, I invite you to place your hope in the Lord just as Jeremiah did in the midst of his seemingly overwhelming despair.

The faithful love of the LORD never ends!

His mercies never cease.

Jeremiah expresses his “thank you” to God in the midst of great struggle, reorienting his perspective in the face of great despair. He steps back from the darkness of his state to gain perspective about who God really is, which leads him to hope and gratitude.

Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.

People of hope

I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”

Hopeful people are grateful people. The presence of Christ in the midst of our pain and disillusionment invites us to hope, which in turn leads us to gratitude. We share our expressions of gratitude not because life is so good, but because God is!

“Thank you.” These words can change hearts, alter perspectives and provide hope. Gratitude is so simple, costs us nothing and has a powerful and lasting impact.

This Thanksgiving season, I’m overwhelmed by the goodness of God through the people of God. Life isn’t perfect; I deal with struggles and frustrations, but I echo Jeremiah’s words in Lamentations 3:21–26: Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this:

The LORD is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him.

So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD (NLT).

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October 2014 www.mbherald.com

And, finally, my family – and particularly my wife Gwen – who support me unconditionally. I value their constant care, wisdom and affirmation more than words can say.

But don’t leave it there. Pass the hope on.

Express your gratitude to those God places in your life – family, friends, coworkers, church family and strangers. Wave a “thank you” next time someone lets you merge into their lane in traffic. Pray grateful prayers for God’s work in your life. Celebrate his faithfulness and daily renewing grace to you and your community.

Praise God for who he is and for your hope in him. And enjoy the ride!

TEXT MESSAGE Arguing in church? Just stop it!

/ Michael Krause

ROMANS 14

M

ost pastors have received an email like the one I recently found in my inbox. Someone was looking for a new church. They had explored our website and even attended a few times. They were impressed, but….

One key is Romans 14:1: “Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarrelling over disputable matters” (emphasis mine). This would suggest that, according to Paul, some truth is indisputable.

We have to agree on that stuff.

“Can you explain why you have female elders when the Bible explicitly states that leaders should be men?” The implication was clear: if women lead, I’ll leave.

But other truth is “disputable” – a matter of perspective, opinion and taste.

Two kinds of truth, but only one worth fighting about.

We do that in church. I’ve done it. So have you. We attack and condemn each other over doctrines like hell, evolution or sexual orientation. We break community or split churches over charismatic gifts, worship styles and MB distinctives.

The issues vary, but the issue is always the same: if you don’t believe and behave like me, I won’t be part of you.

The tragic result is that our passion to protect the “true church” is what ultimately destroys it. When Paul says, “If all you have is an eye, then you don’t actually have a body” (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:21–27), he seems to suggest that if everyone in the community is exactly the same in how they believe, behave, look, act, talk, worship, practise and live, then the community isn’t actually a church.

So, which is which? And how do we decide?

My modest proposal would be to fixate only on the gospel. Here’s the test: does the doorway of faith for my seeking friends hinge on this specific issue?

For example, is it essential to the gospel that there’s a loving God who created a good world? Of course.

Does the gospel hinge on the age of the earth? In my opinion, that’s debatable. So I won’t quarrel over disputable matters.

Now, don’t misread Paul. He’s not saying it doesn’t matter what you believe about issues like evolution, hell, sexual orientation or anything else that lights up the blogosphere. Romans 14 is clear that we “should be fully convinced” of what we believe (14:5) and that we In the New Testament, “church” is a should live consistently with those Jesus-loving community of racially, beliefs (14:23). We have to know what culturally, socio-economically, religiously we believe and to live like it. and theologically diverse people living with each other in unshakeable unity.

An end to debates and That’s church. And that’s hard. eye rolls

Two kinds of truth So, how do we do it? How do we live in unity with each other despite the radical diversity the Bible assumes, even demands?

However, Paul does forbid two behaviours tragically common in the church. First: no arguing to convince others to agree with us. No debating to prove we’re right and they’re wrong.

ROMANS 14:1 Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarrelling over disputable matters.

No browbeating others into agreement.

To the contrary, on these matters, God commands us to keep our opinions to ourselves (Romans 14:22). No arguing over disputable matters.

Second: no judging those who disagree with us (14:2–4). No belittling, no rolling our eyes or shaking our heads at the immaturity of someone who believes or behaves differently than we do. No questioning the authenticity, legitimacy or sincerity of their faith.

They don’t answer to you, but to Christ.

They’re not accountable to you, but to him.

And, if they’ve accepted him, he’s accepted them, just as he has accepted you: warts, mistakes, misinterpretations, ignorance and all.

The bottom line is always love. The first and last word in this text is “accept.”

We must embrace each other and love each other with the love of Christ, the love of the cross.

It’s the kind of love that humbly decides to consider everyone else more important than ourselves. The kind of love that sacrifices ourselves, our agenda, our status, our ego, our need to be right, so the love of God might flow through us into them. That’s church.

And that’s hard.

The Thirty Years War was among the longest and bloodiest periods of European history. At its root was an ostensibly religious conflict between Protestants and Catholics, fighting over land. It was in the throes of this conflict that theologian Rupertus Meldenius wrote: In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, charity.

May we learn to love in Christ those who are radically different from us.

May we learn to be the church.

Michael Krause is the teaching pastor at Southridge Community Church in St. Catharines, Ont.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD October 2014

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proclaim A conversation with Early in 2014, Ron Toews, CCMBC director of leadership development, invited recently retired Merv Boschman to a quarter-time 10-month contract as camping ministries coach. Merv now uses his decades of experience in ministry (the last five years as BCMB camp ministries director) to support the directors of 11 Mennonite Brethren camps in Canada.

Reaching the often remote locations of the camps can be challenging: washed out roads added an extra three hours to the already long drive to Simonhouse Bible Camp in northern Manitoba. Yet Merv and his wife Carol persevered to visit six camps in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec this summer. Merv spoke with Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches staff writer Gladys Terichow about what he learned.

CCMBC: What is one of the most rewarding aspects of your position?

Merv Boschman: It’s a privilege to take special interest in the lives and ministry of CCMBC camp directors. In Galatians 6:9–10, Paul says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” I desire to encourage those who are weary.

How do you encourage camp directors?

Simply being in touch with regularity and being there when they need me.

Listening is important. I enjoy praying with them. Many of the camp directors are as busy during the rest of the year as they are during the hectic weeks of summer. Several work or volunteer in their local communities.

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camping ministries coach Merv Boschman I look for ways to link camp directors with others who can partner with them: developing partnerships and synergy between camps and local churches enhances opportunities for people to become followers of Christ.

infrastructure and other costs that are not covered by camp registration fees.

But all the camps are committed to proclaiming and living out the gospel message. They want to share and live the life of Christ.

What encourages you?

Did you observe other similarities?

Many camps take leadership development very seriously. When you look at the leaders in our churches, many have gained experience in camp ministries.

That is where they have the opportunity to cut their teeth and test their wings.

Campers who come to faith return as young adults to take on leadership roles – at camps and in their local churches.

Ed Heinrichs at Camp Crossroads dreams of expanding this discipleship training in partnership with churches, conference and C2C. That kind of bigpicture thinking is exciting!

Every camp has training opportunities for their staff and is committed to growing and developing leaders from within.

Each camp is an encouraging place where staff and volunteers take time to pray together and encourage each other. The learning attitude of the leaders and the sense of team was wonderful to see.

You visited six camps this summer.

What can we celebrate?

We can celebrate God’s faithfulness.

Over the past decades, men and women have initiated camp ministries across the country, and that fruit is visible in the lives of tens of thousands of people. We can celebrate the faithfulness of the congregations who started the camps and support them.

And age doesn’t matter: at Camp Crossroads, one sixty-plus man served shoulder-to-shoulder with the young volunteers on the maintenance team for the summer.

What do the camps that you visited have in common?

No matter what size the camp, all have staffing needs. All the camps face financial challenges in terms of Merv and Carol Boschman

How are they different?

The size of the camps and their infrastructure are very different. The program options and length of the summer camping season are diverse.

Some camps enjoy substantial church support and connectivity, and others are not as fortunate. In some camps, only 10–20 percent of the campers have church connections; others have many more

the gospel message campers with church connections.

Camp Evergreen has a unique partnership. Through a linkage with an international Christian organization, this camp regularly has staff from Germany. Christian young adults come for a year of practical service and opportunity to learn.

How do camps share the love of Jesus Christ?

The gospel is presented through teaching, preaching, singing and music. It is also presented through sharing testimonies, group discussions, fireside discussions and one-on-one talks. It is spoken and verified by life. Staff and volunteers live it through 24/7 engagement with campers.

At Camp Péniel, I watched the camp attendees sit absolutely rapt with attention as a young staff woman shared her testimony. Then, the campers and guest speaker surrounded her and prayed for her. Unforgettable!

How do campers respond?

Each year, hundreds and hundreds of campers make initial commitments to Christ at camp and hundreds more make commitments

afresh to grow in Christ and a deeper walk with Jesus. One of my greatest thrills is hearing testimonies like Vincent Rodrigue’s. Now an engineering student at university, he came to faith at age 12 when a woman paid for him to attend Camp Péniel. The week I visited, he was using his only week of vacation to serve as program director.

What an amazing testimony – but this is the story of most staff at Péniel!

If you have your ears open, you hear these testimonies everywhere – from campers who went to camp this year and campers who went to camp decades ago.

Why is it important for churches to support camping ministries?

It’s a reciprocal partnership that benefits both the camp and the church.

Each year, some 10,000 campers are served and loved by some 2,000 staff and volunteers at our 11 camps across the country. Churches can support this ministry with prayer, capital projects and bursaries for campers. They can also provide volunteers and active promotion as a partner ministry. Prayer and financial support from individuals, families and businesses are also important.

For example, Gardom Lake has a strong partnership with Kelowna Gospel Fellowship. The church fundraises for the camp, sends and celebrates volunteer staff, and organizes work teams when the camp needs projects done. Other camps long for closer connections with the churches and conferences that support them.

PH OTO: MICHE

LLE PEN NE R

Do camps influence local communities?

The camps are ready to receive campers with challenging and

diverse needs and are gracious in providing an environment where everyone can participate. I found a heart for the local community surrounding the camps.

For example, at Simonhouse, Darrell Janzen has a deep concern for the youth of the area – most of whom have no church connection. He is relating to the mayor and others in the school system about how to help with the concerns that they have mutually.

What did you learn that you were not expecting?

I was surprised at the poor infrastructure in some camps – the need for both repairs and improvements.

Some of the camps I visited are pretty close to a desperate need for cash infusion for infrastructure and facility development. I wondered how the staff at Camp Peniel could be so hopeful when their own housing facilities were in such poor repair.

It was beautiful to see how camp staff and volunteers model the fruit of the Spirit from day to day.

The energy that they could maintain continues to amaze me. Over and over again, I could see the sustaining power of God in their lives. It didn’t surprise me, but it was a delight to see.

What is the future of churchsupported camping ministries?

If we keep our focus clear and demonstrate a willingness to invest in camping ministries, the future is as bright as the promises of God. Any final reflections?

Thank you for your prayers and giving.

Thank you for supporting camps!

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the Apprentice

Apprentice programs prepare the next generation of leaders for church ministry GL ADYS TERICHOW

A

veterinarian from Scotland senses God’s call to ministry. Where does he start?

Tim Proudlove began with education, moving to Vancouver to take an MDiv at Regent College. But in addition to studying, he wanted practical experience. He found it at Willingdon Church.

Proudlove participated in Willingdon Church’s pastoral apprenticeship, spending two years in the program that combines further study with hands-on experience in ministry for Bible college and seminary graduates.

And Willingdon is just one of many churches and institutions creating programs to help the next generation of leaders learn and practise under the guidance of more experienced and mature teachers.

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Though sharing similarities with credentialing processes in trades or professional careers like medicine and education, the model for churches and schools developing these learners into masters is Jesus. His 12 disciples received both teaching and on-the-ground learning as they walked with the Master.

WILLINGDON Willingdon Church, Burnaby, B.C., is entering its seventh year of offering the pastoral apprenticeship program that combines academic study and practical hands-on experiences and opportunities.

“Our goal is to be the step between Bible colleges and their first church,” says Jonathan Neufeld, coordinator of the program. “We want

to be part of the process to help people who sense God’s call for ministry succeed in life-long ministry.”

The MB congregation connects with 4,800 people over its weekend services. About 2,000 people are involved in Willingdon Church’s small group ministries, Proudlove’s area of specialization. Each week, leaders of the 160 small groups guide conversations that focus on the weekend worship services.

“I love teaching and communicating,” says Proudlove, who resourced these small group leaders with support and training.

“Adult ministries are a good fit for my gifts and personality.”

Apprentices are part of Willingdon Church’s pastoral team. They serve threemonth rotations in four ministry areas – children, youth, adult and pastoral care and prayer. About 50 percent of their time is spent in continued academic and theological training.

Apprentices also receive ongoing feedback and training through working alongside pastors who have several years’ experience, and are paired with an elder.

“A year or two of training under people who are already doing ministry helps them develop a philosophy of ministry to guide the decisions they make,” says Neufeld.

“When they complete the training, they

have a solid and clear understanding of how they want to do ministry.”

Willingdon accepts up to four apprentices each year for the one-year program that can be extended to two years for pastors interested in a specialized ministry within the church. Of the program’s 15 graduates, only two are not involved in church ministry.

The congregation embraces the apprenticeship program as a ministry of the church. “It is an investment we make for the sake of the kingdom,” says Neufeld. “It is our hope that the person called to ministry becomes an effective, capable and confident minister of the gospel.”

BETHANY Colton Willms is second-generation fruit of a partnership between at SunWest Christian Fellowship, Calgary, and Bethany College, Hepburn, Sask. Willms interned under campus pastor Matt Dyck in 2014, 10 years after Dyck himself began an internship that turned into employment as a youth pastor with the same congregation.

Recognizing the importance of experiential education, Bethany College began an internship program in 1999 as part of the required studies for students in church leadership, intercultural studies and ministry arts majors.

“This program gives students one season of ministry experience,” says Darlene Klassen, instructor in church ministries and internship director.

While some students like Willms hone ministry skills in a particular area, others like Ben Thielmann have a wide diversity of experiences. Serving with pastor Greg Bright at Gateway Community Church in tiny Canora, Sask., Thielman has opportunities to preach, teach, do hospital visitation and learn from a generalist how to be a missional presence in a rural community.

“Our desire is to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to train leaders to serve,” says Klassen.

The college partners with churches, mission agencies and other ministries, such as Bible camps, Mennonite Central Committee and Youth for Christ. Partner organizations generally support interns through student bursaries or allowances for food, housing and transportation.

“Internships are key stepping stones for students as they move from our community into vocations and service of Christ in new places,” says Klassen.

In 2004, Dana Krushel explored her passion for immigrants as an intern with MCC Saskatchewan, developing programs for children and being present in the community by living in an apartment building with multiple immigrant families as neighbours. It developed into a vocation; she’s now refugee assistance program coordinator for MCC. In the 2014/2015 school year, eight Bethany students are following internships, four in churches.

Klassen admits that some students encounter struggles and difficulty in their placements. But overall, “the program increases love for Christ, develops ministry skills and clarifies their gift mix.”

For Willms, as for Dyck before him, it did just that. He’s accepted the role of junior high youth pastor at SunWest.

C2C NETWORK – WEST Brett Landry is an example of how the C2C Network’s apprentice-based models help to reach people for Jesus Christ through multiplying church plants.

Landry, his wife Alison and their three young daughters moved from Alberta to serve an apprenticeship with Norm Funk, pastor of Westside Church, Vancouver, himself a leader trained and sent by Willingdon Church.

One of the benefits of apprenticing, Landry says, is the opportunity to live and work in the city before planting a church.

“The great thing about the apprenticeship season is that it gives you time to

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get to know the city,” he says. “I just wanted to get started – so the time of waiting was the hardest part, but it was also the best part.”

missionary. One of the challenges, he says, is making biblical truths relevant in a city where many embrace postChristian values and worldview.

The C2C Network, launched in 2011 by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches, grew out of the churchplanting ministry started by MB churches in British Columbia.

“It is important to understand the culture and find ways to make the gospel relevant to the people in that culture,” he says. “Christ City Church exists to create opportunities for people to encounter Jesus.

We want people to not only hear the truth but also experience the truth.”

All potential church planters, regardless of age or experience, are required to attend a three-day assessment where they are interviewed and observed to discern gifts, skills, abilities and maturity.

“The model of Jesus in ministry is to come alongside and do this together,” he says. “We are always learners of

The model of Jesus in ministry is to come alongside and do this together. We are always learners of the way of Jesus. We will never graduate as an apprentice.

Those affirmed in the necessary gifts for church planting proceed to the C2C apprenticeship program in the city or town of the future plant location. Here, church planters build a core team and learn to better understand the community while working alongside a more experienced church planter or pastor. They receive additional teaching through monthly one-day training sessions planned by the C2C Network.

Apprentices serve a role similar to associate pastors by helping their mentor in every area of ministry. The difference is that apprentice planters are planning to leave.

Now the pastor of Christ City, a church he launched in South Vancouver in 2013, Landry approaches his ministry as an urban 14

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the way of Jesus. We will never graduate as an apprentice.”

C2C NETWORK – EAST When Simon Nadeau began meeting weekly to discuss religious issues with four or five friends from ETEMIBVIE, he hadn’t envisioned the gatherings would become a church plant.

He was studying theology and religious studies at Laval University when the group began in 2009. But as more people joined the gatherings, he realized something bigger than a Bible study between friends was happening.

“That’s how the church got started,” says Nadeau, pastor of Echad Montreal. “I didn’t read books on how to start a missional church. We just got together to ask questions

about our faith and pray together.”

Now in its fifth year, the church has grown to a community of faith that connects with up to 100 people a week. Echad Montreal held its first Sunday worship service in May 2014.

Nadeau is eager to learn from others who share his passion to plant, grow and multiply Christ-centred churches.

Having heard about C2C Network’s apprenticeship for church planters through ETEM-IBVIE, Nadeau started his C2C Network apprenticeship in September 2013.

“What is important to me is that I have mentors around me,” says Nadeau.

He spent the first four months with Dave Harder, pastor of The Journey in Ottawa and then began apprenticing under Dwight Bernier, pastor of Initiative 22 in Montreal.

“Dave and Dwight are my advisors, my counsellors, but I also have regular meetings with other church planters.

I’m part of a team; I’m part of a network, that’s helping me a lot.”

He looks forward to the day when Echad Montreal plants its first church.

“Jesus sent us to be the light of the world,” he says. “To be this light, we need to serve others and to build friendships. The Christian faith is not meant to be lived alone. It is meant to be lived in community.”

At the other end of the country, Proudlove agrees with the importance of relationships in following Jesus. He learned a lot from writing discussion questions and preparing videos and podcasts for Willingdon Church’s small group leaders. However, the mutually supportive friendships he developed with mentors and peers are the greatest benefits he’ll take from his apprenticeship at Willingdon Church as he embarks on full-time crosscultural ministry.

“I expect these friendships and relationships will last a lifetime,” Proudlove says.

Put your shoes on and go

Angeline Schellenberg

T

The 84-year-old, who thrives on seeing how God works in people’s lives, served Fort Garry MB Church, Winnipeg, as pastoral assistant (1985–88), associate pastor (1990–93) and lifelong deacon.

“There’s something to longevity – to following through with people,” she says.

Salome Hiebert

Heart for mission In 1957, a year into their marriage, Salome and her late husband Jake began attending Fort Garry’s predecessor, the one-year-old Gospel Light Mission Church in downtown Winnipeg. When the church moved to a new location, Salome grieved the loss of First Nations friends who didn’t come along, but she plunged into the opportunities offered by the church’s new proximity to the University of Manitoba: international student ministry.

The Hieberts hosted about 40 students for their first night in Canada, becoming their Canadian “parents.” Their first student was married in the Hieberts’ living room. At four other weddings, Jake walked the bride down the aisle.

One student joined the Chinese Christian fellowship, and within a month, accepted Christ. When he

returned to the Hieberts’ home for a dinner, he said, “Last time, you prayed and read Scripture, but why didn’t you tell me about Jesus?” After that, Salome made a point of sharing her testimony and asking each student, “Tell me your story.” When one student asked, “Where can I go to worship with other Muslims?” she offered to find out for him, and “that opened the door wide.”

After Salome and Jake were ordained to the deaconate in 1962, she was invited to become more involved in caring for the church’s women. She visited every new mother with the same gift: she estimates she brought 300 chocolate pies. “Now, those babies are involved in church on committees with families of their own. It’s given me a lot of joy to see.”

PHOTO: ANTHONY SCHELLENBERG

he first paid female pastor in a Canadian MB church never asked for the title. “I didn’t push for it,” says Salome Hiebert, but “if God opens a door for me, I should be willing to walk through. That’s where his promises become so evident to me.”

Partners in the gospel The landmark of first female pastor came about for purely pragmatic reasons: in order to offer Salome an expense account, the church had to pay her a salary (beginning with the nominal dollar a year). They turned the former sound booth into her office, so she’d have a place to meet women one-on-one – her greatest joy.

Behind the pulpit, “I never dared call it preaching. I gave devotionals, I led services,” says Salome. “That wouldn’t have happened if the other pastors hadn’t nudged me on.” She can’t say enough good things about pastors who see the individual and encourage everyone to use their gifts. continued on page 23

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This septuagen still works [and expects to work in God’s future kingdom] R AY M O N D O . B Y S T R O M

I

’m listed as an adjunct faculty member on the MB Biblical Seminary (MBBS) Canada website. Until recently, alongside my name and in brackets, it also said, “retired.” That word, beside my name, irritated me, so I asked the seminary to remove it.

Why was I so irritated by this word?

For starters, “retired” implied I’m no longer available as an adjunct professor, which isn’t true. Adjunct professors are part-time employees who teach occasional courses, depending on the institution’s needs in any given semester or year and the faculty member’s availability.

Even though I’ve not taught a course at

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MBBS Canada since the summer of 2011, that’s not really what was bugging me. I’m not storming the barricades, looking for paid employment these days.

No, the source of my irritation was located elsewhere.

It’s true I am retired in the sense that I am no longer engaged in full-time paid employment. But that doesn’t mean that I’ve bought into our culture’s notion of retirement as an end to working. And this brings us closer to the source of my irritation.

A wider view of work I’ve always embraced a wider view of work than just having a job. Only a small

narian

percentage of my work over the years has been paid work. I’ve spent, and still spend, a lot of time and energy shopping, cooking, cleaning and caring for our children and now my delightful five grandchildren. And it was – and is – work, work that is often demeaningly described as woman’s work.

I’ve also done, and still do, my fair share of “man’s work.” Things like washing the car, gardening, mowing the lawn and umpteen renovations and repairs of my 33-year-old home.

But there is more: I also do the work of extending hospitality to family, friends, neighbours and strangers, as well as my share of volunteer work in

the context of my faith community.

Well, you get the picture: I still work!

About the only activities I wouldn’t describe as work are sleeping, eating (except business lunches), engaging in hobbies, playing sports, watching TV or a movie and attending a church service or a concert.

God’s price tag If I embrace a wider view of work than paid employment, how do I value it?

What price tag do I put on it? I put God’s price tag on it.

I believe Scripture teaches that God values all our activities if – and it’s a big if – they foster a healthy and

wholesome relationship with self, others, God and planet earth.

Indeed, maybe, just maybe, our unpaid work is more important to God and society than our paid work. Or at least as important.

In any case, this septuagenarian is still working!

God is a worker Too often, our attitudes about work are grounded in unbiblical myths. I’m especially troubled these days by the notion that our lives consist of a period of work, which, if done reasonably well, entitles us to retirement, which seems to imply no more work. As if paid MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD October 2014

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employment were the only kind of real work we ever do.

This notion of retirement as the end of work can’t be found anywhere in Scripture, not even in the future kingdom envisioned by the prophets.

We all know work is part of the original creation design. But do we also understand that it appears to be the plan for the new creation?

In the creation accounts, work is what human beings are equipped and commanded to do. Genesis teaches that God is a worker and we’re created in God’s image as workers. In the new creation

world, but a world at peace where people work together, rather than war against each other.

right relatedness. Surely this means that our good future with God shapes our present work, whether paid or unpaid.

Isaiah 65:21–23 (NRSV) delivers the same message, but in different words:

While we wait

“They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.

They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labour in vain, or bear children for calamity….”

If you were to compare these passages from Isaiah with Zechariah 8:10–12, again

Maybe, just maybe, our unpaid work is more important to God and society than our paid work. accounts – the eschatological accounts – work is what God’s Spirit will gift us to do and what we will find joy in doing.

Work isn’t the problem Consider Isaiah’s vision of “the days to come,” God’s final future, especially 2:4–5 (NRSV): “He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!”

When the prophet pictures the future age, “he does not envision a massive work stoppage,” as biblical scholar Ben Witherington notes in Work: A Kingdom Perspective on Labor. Instead, “he envisions a massive war stoppage.”

Swords are beaten into ploughshares and spears into pruning hooks. The weapons of war are turned into tools for work.

Isaiah’s vision of shalom is not a workless 18

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you would see that paradise involves war stoppage, not work stoppage. Apparently, work isn’t the human problem: war and violence are.

Practical implications All of this has practical and ethical implications for how we work today as God’s people. Theological interpretations of work are not meaningless. As Miroslav Volf writes in Work in the Spirit: “A theological interpretation of work is valid only if it facilitates transformation of work toward evergreater correspondence with the coming new creation.”

Thus, a Christian perspective of work takes into account the conviction that history is moving in the direction of the climax of God’s story. We work, live and play today in light of God’s good tomorrow.

Our work today aims to mirror the ends and character of the kingdom of God. Revelation 21–22 announces that in God’s good future, human beings and the cosmos will finally experience shalom, that is,

We live between the arrival and the climax of God’s reign in the person of Jesus Christ. While we wait, the climax of God’s story forms and shapes how we work. For example, if God plans to renovate and renew planet earth from top to bottom in the new creation, I best do my part to treat it with dignity now.

If God cares about all the nations – if all the nations are going to come marching into God’s good future kingdom – I best relate to my Burmese, Chinese, Indian and Caucasian neighbours with love and hospitality now.

If my body is going to be transformed and renewed in God’s new future creation, I best honour my body now.

All of this requires work – the expenditure of effort, energy and time – which raises serious questions about our popular notion of retirement, either in this life or the life to come. As we’ve seen, the notion of work stoppage isn’t a biblical idea and doesn’t fit with biblical ideas about our future as God’s people.

This septuagenarian expects to work in God’s good future kingdom. In the meantime, I want my unpaid work to foreshadow the kingdom of God and its ends, aims and character. How about you?

Since 2008, Raymond O. Bystrom has been an adjunct faculty member at MB Biblical Seminary, Canada. He was professor of pastoral ministries at MB Biblical Seminary - Fresno from 1991 to 2007. He is the author of God Among Us: Studies in John’s Gospel and Living Today with One Eye on Eternity: Studies in 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, both part of the Luminaire Study Series published by Kindred Productions, the North American MB publishing ministry.

Bystrom and his wife Elizabeth are members of Cedar Park Church (MB) in Delta, B.C. This piece originally appeared in the July/ August 2014 edition of our sister publication, Christian Leader.

NE WS in stor y MCC BC makes a thrifty move

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lwyn “Pi” Irving loves thrift.

The Mennonite Central Committee thrift store volunteer is amazed by the “river of stuff” that flows into MCC’s Abby East shop from hundreds of donors.

Over the last 10 years of MCC thrift work, Irving has developed an expertise in collectibles and housewares, her niche. Her fingers fly over her iPad, searching eBay and other sites to help determine a price. Normally, items at MCC go for about a third of their official value.

“Think where we would be without thrift,” Irving says. “If you break a lid on your CorningWare casserole, you can’t get just a lid at a store. You need to come to a thrift shop.”

In B.C., on a typical day, 500 people will buy something at one of MCC’s thrift stores. Last year, those 10 stores netted $1.5-million to pay for ministries in B.C., across Canada and in some of the poorest countries in the world.

Giving back Irving is one of more than 3,000 B.C. volunteers who form the backbone of Mennonite Central Committee. Like other volunteers, she “owns” her work and takes pride in the dollars MCC’s stores provide to communities around the globe.

In the past, MCC helped many of the volunteers or their families get to Canada and settle into a new life. Their work at the thrift stores gives them a sense of paying back, says Irving. Other volunteers simply like helping in a worthwhile enterprise and enjoy the camaraderie.

Furniture repair specialist Hank Thiessen is not surprised by the number of people who comprise the “staff” at the thrift shop. “If the payback in satisfaction weren’t so high,” he says, “there would probably be fewer of us.”

A retired social worker, he is proud of what he can restore for the sales floor. Thiessen started with

MCC in Ontario, then in 1997, became a volunteer at Abbotsford’s Furniture and More.

He is especially proud that MCC finds ways to recycle what can’t be sold or repaired – like stripping insulation off copper wire from kettles that can’t be fixed. “Insulated wire may bring a nickel a pound, but stripped wire is worth more than 30 times that,” says Thiessen.

Volunteers strip the webbing from unfixable outdoor furniture and sell the aluminum for scrap.

“And we hardly ever buy anything to do our repairs,” he boasts.

More space, less rent Thiessen looks forward to having more space in B.C.’s new MCC Centre on Abbotsford’s Gladys Avenue, due to open officially on Oct. 25. The new building will provide more space for display (35,000 square feet for clothing, furniture and sundries), work and storage.

Like Thiessen, Irving can hardly wait to see the new building up and running: “I want our work area to be clean and organized. I don’t want us to be tripping over each other.” Their current work space is limited.

B.C. MCC executive director Wayne Bremner calls the Centre “purpose-built” to create maximum efficiencies and reduce labour. Gladys Avenue will also accommodate a new Ten Thousand Villages store, a workshop and retail area for quilters and a café under the same roof. It will include MCC B.C.’s material aid resource centre for shipping donated items overseas. A suite of offices will house the administration and MCC program components. There is even provision for thrift donors to leave their goods under cover at the drive-through drop-off station.

The Gladys Avenue building will allow those former rent monies to go toward paying

down a mortgage. It will also reduce costs: Abbotsford’s east-end MCC thrift store and the separate furniture store, both significant revenueproducers, together pay $360,000 per year in rent.

Now, more of the income can be directed to MCC work, says Bremner.

About two-thirds of MCC’s revenue goes to development and relief needs overseas. The Wayne Bremner, MCC B.C. executive other third funds housdirector, is pleased with the new building ing programs (including that will centralize the organization’s Abbotsford thrift operations and intensive work with the administration. homeless), counselling assistance to end domestic abuse, a “rent bank” program acre parcel now contains the main and employment agency work MCC building, parking facilities including the MCC landscaping and a 40,000 square foot “legacy” division and training programs. office building, already 82 percent rented out. The Salvation Army’s Tent city Abbotsford facilities are neighJust across Gladys Avenue bours down the road, and two from the MCC Centre is a tent other office structures complete city occupied by people who are the string of new or redeveloped homeless. Some criticize MCC properties on Gladys Avenue. for constructing a building rather Gifts to the B.C. headquarthan helping the homeless, but ters project have been generous Bremner says MCC has actively so far, says Bremner. Most of the (and without fanfare) been work- financial donors come from Mening on poverty issues for more nonite and Mennonite Brethren than a decade. In recent years, communities who have given or it has been doing one-on-one pledged $11.1 million, a figure casework.

Bremner hopes to see at $12 MCC is also active on the million by year end. The overall Abbotsford Mayor’s Task Force fundraising target to be debt-free on Homelessness and has sup- is $15 million.

Meanwhile, volunteers like plied research to the cities of the Fraser Valley Regional District, Irving and Thiessen eagerly await a new chapter in their ministry at says Bremner.

The project site used to be an the new site.—Barrie McMaster, abandoned strip mall. The 8.5- B.C. correspondent

PHOTOS: BARRIE MCMASTER

ABBOTSFO R D, B.C .

MCC’s Abbotsford thrift stores pack up their operations to move to the new Gladys Avenue Centre.

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NE WS in stor y

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n August 2014, Pines Bible Camp executive director Gene Krahn saw a growing impasse in the B.C. teachers’ strike and bounced an idea off his staff: could Pines offer camping right through September, and even October if needed? At the time, he was looking at a camp budget that was severely impacted by that same strike; most of the facility rental income Pines usually receives from school field trips had vaporized.

The decision was made to go ahead with it, if staff could be found, and the scramble began. Krahn says registration started slowly because many parents believed it unthinkable for the strike to continue past Labour Day.

But by the middle of that first week, 28 students were in the program, about half of them on an overnight basis.

Krahn’s wife Vicky, a qualified teacher, oversaw an educational component for three age groups each morning, and afternoons were devoted to normal camp activities under the leadership of summertime counsellors. Kitchen volunteers were drafted from as far away as Abbotsford, B.C. At Stillwood Camp and Conference Centre, Lindell Beach, B.C., a similar decision was made to offer day activities for Grades 1–7 during the strike.

Bus pickup was available from several locations in Abbotsford and Chilliwack.

WINNIPEG

Local church supports cross-cultural workers

J

oan and James Alty have lived and served in South Africa for six years, but they still feel attached to their Canadian home church, Crossroads Mennonite Brethren, Winnipeg.

The couple, serving with Mennonite Central Committee, stay connected through a sending support team, a small group of people ready to support them in a variety of ways.

“Our ministry is a shared ministry with Crossroads,” says Joan. “We are part of a wonderful church here, but we still feel very much part of our church at home.”

When the church’s mission mobilizer team formed the first sending support team some 10 years ago, it was guided by the 20

practical ideas in Neal Pirolo’s book, Serving as Senders, says Grace Klassen, a leader of the church’s mission mobilizer team and a member of another missionary sending team.

These teams prepare and support cross-cultural workers before they leave, during their service and when they return home.

Each team has at least five roles: a logistics coach, communication coach, prayer coach, financial coach and re-entry coach. Over the years, Crossroads has formed six teams for mission workers.

“Through sending teams, our congregation has grown in understanding of missions,” says Grace, who was herself supported when she served for three months

October 2014 www.mbherald.com

activity varied from community to community depending upon the number of programs offered by local recreation boards and other groups.

For the camps, leaders saw a chance to minister, and perhaps to make new friends for next summer. “It’s a little bit different,” said Krahn, “but definitely worth doing.”—Barrie McMaster, B.C. correspondent

PHOTO: COURTESY GARDOM LAKE

MB camps step up during B.C. school strike

Average daily attendance ran around 50 children, some just attending for a couple of days a week. At press time, more than 180 students were registered.

Gardom Lake Bible Camp, near Enderby, B.C., had problems finding enough staff to start right after Labour Day, but launched programming Sept. 8, 2014, with a modest list of attenders.

Many churches stepped up to offer care for children as well, but

in Japan with M B M i s sion last year.

Her sister Ruth Klassen, n ow r e t i r e d from many ye a r s ’ ove rs e a s s e r v ic e Crossroads’ Alty sending team: (back, l–r) with MB Kathi Fast, Betty Piche, Beverley Miller; (front) Mission, has Dan Giesbrecht, Karen Giesbrecht, James Alty, Joan Alty, Karis Hiebert. helped shape t he chu rch ’s mission programs. Ruth says As MCC workers, they don’t sending teams have renewed require financial backing from interest in both global and local the church, but they appreciate ministries. how their sending team and the “We are a sending church congregation support them in where everyone is sent – some many other ways. serve in cross-cultural minisWhen a windstorm damaged tries, others in local ministries,” the siding of their Winnipeg says Ruth. “Our goal is to be home, they didn’t have to worry intentional about expressing our about the repairs: they called their faith through words and action.” logistics coach who took care of In January 2016, the Altys, it for them. currently serving as country “Each member on our sendrepresentatives, will transition ing support team has a defined to a new five-year term as area role,” says James. “When we ask directors for Southern Africa. for help, we don’t get a sense

"

PHOTO: COURTESY CROSSROADS

GR AND FORKS, B.C.

WINNIPEG

Electronic transactions enable faithful giving

P

“

eople give because they believe in the vision and mission of the church,” says Kim Knight, director of operations and administration at Waterloo (Ont.) MB Church. Throughout history, churches have adapted to their ways of receiving those tithes and offerings.

Today, as more and more people handle their finances electronically, a growing number of Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches are providing opportunities for electronic giving.

“We want to respect people who feel uncomfortable with technology, but we also want to respect people who don’t use cash or cheques,” says Brent Miller, pastor of College Drive Community Church, Lethbridge, Alta. that we’re imposing – we know they are there to help us and want to help us.”

In 2011, Crossroads raised funds to cover the costs of printing a curriculum used by newly formed peace clubs in South Africa. The following year, the church sent Crossroads members John and Karis Hiebert on a fourweek visit to encourage the Altys.

Besides presenting the curriculum to the peace clubs, the Hieberts worked in their skill areas of administration and information technology. Other friends from the church have also visited the Altys.

These visits help the Altys strengthen connections between t hei r s end i ng c hu rc h a nd their church in South Africa, King’s Community Church, Pietermaritzburg.

“These relationships go beyond borders,” says James. “We are all one in Christ, regardless of where we live and what we do.”—Gladys Terichow

That’s why his church introduced an automated debit program about a year ago and is testing the benefits of a self-serve debit machine in the building.

Average attendance at services is about 135 people. Between 15 to 20 percent of monthly gifts are now received electronically through the automated debit program which pre-authorizes monthly withdrawals. The fee for this service is 50 cents per person, per month.

“It helps you plan your giving,” says Miller. “It meets Paul’s teachings to the Corinthians that offerings be purposeful, planned and strategic.”

The debit machine, he explains, is used primarily for church rentals and parking permits for students attending nearby Lethbridge

College. The monthly fee for this service is $50.

In Ontario, Waterloo MB Church has been offering preauthorized electronic giving for more than 10 years. Average attendance at services is 700 people.

Only 25 percent of people who give regularly use this service, but those who use it appreciate the convenience, says Knight.

In response to requests for online and mobile giving options, the church now accepts credit card donations through the church’s website and new mobile app. Transaction fees for electronic gifts is 1.9 percent of funds donated.

“There are practical sides to giving,” says Knight. “People want receipts. They want to earn points on credit cards. Churches need to keep options for giving current with cultural conveniences.”

The technology for electronic giving has been proven and is widely accepted and used by people of all ages, says David Leung.

He recently concluded his service as a CCMBC stewardship team

Driscoll steps down from Mars Hill

Mars Hill lead pastor Mark Driscoll agreed to step down Aug. 24, 2014, for a minimum of 6 weeks while elders investigate formal charges of arrogance and workplace bullying put forth by 21 former pastors. Earlier, Driscoll and Mars Hill were removed from the Acts 29 church planting network which Driscoll started.—ChristianityToday.com, MarsHill.com

MWC heads into visa issue

Young adults from the southern hemisphere often find it especially hard to get visas to visit the U.S. To prevent difficulties obtaining visas from limiting attendance at its global Assembly next summer, Mennonite World Conference (MWC) created a Visa Task Force. They sent MWC leaders to district conferences in India, Congo and Kenya and established a contact person in India’s national churches to assist registrants with visa applications. MWC is providing letters of invitation as evidence of the reason for travel, preparing members for interviews at their country’s U.S. Consulate and sending letters to each U.S. Consulate that will receive the applications.—mwc-cmm.org

member, teaching and coaching in the areas of financial stewardship and leadership development.

“We can’t turn back the clock – right now, it is not whether we want to do it, but how best to do it,” he says.

However, before churches introduce electronic giving, Leung suggests they consider factors such as integration with accounting systems, user friendliness, set-up costs and ongoing costs.

Without being part of an electronic payment network, says Leung, it isn’t cost effective for smaller churches like his congregation, Pacific Grace Mandarin Church in Burnaby, B.C., to offer online giving options.

“Irrespective of a myriad ways of giving, it is important to recognize that sacrificial giving is a joyful surrender to a heavenly purpose and affirms Christ’s lordship,” says Leung. “King David said in 2 Samuel 24:24, ‘I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.’”—Gladys Terichow

South Sudanese children at risk

The United Nations warns that 50,000 South Sudanese children could die this year if assistance doesn’t come soon. Thousands of people have died in the violent conflict since December 2013. Some 1.5 million are internally displaced, nearly all of them small-scale farmers with no means of survival apart from their crops. Children in over-crowded camps without nutrition and sanitation cannot fight disease. Canadian Foodgrains Bank is responding through its members in Budi County. MCC has allocated more than $1.1 million in funding and resources including relief kits and canned meat for displaced South Sudanese people inside the country and in Kenya and Ethiopia.—CFGB & MCC releases

We’re married longer than we think

The oft-cited sky-high divorce rate among Christians has been debunked. In researching her book The Good News About Marriage: Debunking Discouraging Myths About Marriage and Divorce, Shaunti Feldhahn found the divorce rate for first marriages is around 30 percent and Christians have a 30–50 percent lower divorce rate than the general population.

Since these are American figures, Faith Today columnist Sheila Wray Gregoire suggests Canadians can shave a few points off.—Faith Today

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD October 2014

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NE WS in stor y A Mennonite light in isolated Albania

K

lementina Shahini admits she didn’t know what she was getting into when she raised her hand at an evangelistic meeting.

“My husband raised his,” she says, “and like a good Muslim wife, I did the same.”

From that reflex gesture some two dozen years ago, she and husband Dini became the first Mennonites in Albania and went on to form the first Mennonite congregation in the notoriously isolated nation.

Today, Klementina has become an educational entrepreneur, founder and principal of the Lezha Academic Center in Lezha, Albania.

Albania used to be the most isolated country in the world, known as a hard-core Soviet satellite. “For 50 years everything was controlled,” says Klementina.

“People could be jailed just for saying a wrong word; some were killed for nothing.”

Her own family was persecuted. “My sister was put in jail for 10 years, and I spent many years in labour camps.”

Changes When the Soviet Union collapsed in the early 1990s, communist control in Albania eased and doors opened to Christian visitors.

One group included Mennonites from Virginia. Though Klementina and Dini were Muslims, they attended one of the group’s events. “We became Christians,” says Klementina.

More Mennonites showed up, and Klementina, who had studied English, helped them hand out Bibles. When a local group was created, Dini and Klementina were asked, “Can you keep this group together?”

Before long she and Dini became the first baptized Mennonites in Albania. A Mennonite church formed.

“Our lives changed completely,” says Klementina. “We were getting blessing after blessing, every day.”

Another abrupt change followed during the civil uprising in 1997. The Shahini family – Christians from the north now planting a church in the south – found themselves in danger.

They f led to Greece, then moved to the U.S., where the Shahinis connected with local Mennonites. Klementina got a job in a private Christian school and obtained a master’s degree in educational leadership. Her thesis, on how to start a Christian school, would serve her well.

A mentor urged her to go back home and start a Christian school. Her husband and children

College lauds cartoonist to seniors

Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) honoured 4 distinguished alumni, including MB cartoonist Lorlie Barkman, with 2014 Blazer Awards for embodying CMU’s values of service, leadership and reconciliation. Barkman graduated from MB Bible College in 1990 and spent 15 years with MB media ministry Family Life Network (now Square One World Media), co-creating the family TV series “The Third Story.” He pastored Westwood Community Church, Winnipeg, 1990–97, and currently volunteers in seniors’ homes, doing art therapy with people with Alzheimer’s disease. Kindred Productions published Barkman’s book Remember, Dad? in 1999. Other Blazer Award recipients were John Neufeld (executive director of Kitchener’s House of Friendship), Odette Mukole and Kathy Bergen.—CMU release

22

October 2014 www.mbherald.com

supported the idea. “Virginia Mennonite Mission and a group of people who loved mission and education said they would stand behind me,” she says.

In 2011, Klementina gave up her English department chair position at Portsmouth Public School and Dini left his job at the Christian Broadcasting Network.

“We moved back to Albania, and I became principal of a school that was not yet established,” she says. “They were crazy days. We had nothing, just the vision and the people who supported us.”

But resources star ted to appear: books from a Christian school in Florida, furniture from a Mennonite school in Germany.

Don Steiner, a professor at Eastern Mennonite University and chair of the Lezha board, had more good news: “I think we have found some teachers, just graduated.”

“The pieces fell together,” says Klementina. “By the end of June 2011, we had four teachers, books and furniture. But people were coming from the U.S. for the inauguration and we did not have a licence.”

Two days before the opening ceremony, the government education department called to say the licence had been granted. The school opened in September 2011 with five students.

“By the first day of regular school, we had 31 students.”

None of the students were Christians, but they sensed an opportunity for a better education. Klementina says schools are overcrowded and poorly resourced in Albania.

The first year was stressful.

“Every morning I had fear – what if a teacher gets sick?” she recalls.

They sta r ted w it h Bible clubs, which most of the students attended despite being Muslims.

“We build relationships,” says Klementina. “We build trust. In Albania, people don’t trust easily.”

The school now has 85 students in Grades 7–12. Besides the perpetual need for finances, a big need is teachers. Last year, 15 students were turned away because of a teacher shortage.

Klementina Shahini

International connections Winnipeg businessman and Lithuania Christian College founder Art DeFehr heard about Lezha school and came to visit.

That encounter sparked connections not only with the college but also with Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) in Winnipeg.

Last year, five Lezha students went to Lithuania to continue their education, and this summer LCC International University sent representatives to offer summer programs at Lezha. Seven Lezha students have also been accepted at CMU this fall.

Lezha’s Mennonite church, the only Mennonite congregation in the country, now numbers about 50 people. It meets in a converted bar.

Both the school and the church have their work cut out for them. The continuing struggle with Islam and Communism is not to be taken lightly.

Klementina says the Mennonite emphasis on peace and justice is sorely needed in her country.

“People came out of Communism with so much anger,” she says. “We don’t have churches and counselling services to deal with this. We have no tradition of that kind of resource.”

She is determined to make a difference.

“We are there to change the culture and to change people’s lives. We want the school to be a light to the city, and then to all of Albania.”

Wally Kroeker is a Winnipeg writer and member of River East MB Church. This piece first appeared in The Mennonite.

Salome Hiebert continued from page 15 “Like a partnership in marriage, in the church, men and women learn from each other, ” she says. When Salome took on more responsibility at church, Jake stepped back, saying, “It’s not good for two Hieberts to be on council.” Salome was “on deck,” and Jake became her encourager, a role he revelled in.

“The day of our wedding, Jake said, Your name will always come before mine; when you write our names, it will be ‘Salome and Jake.’ He changed it in the telephone directory, and people could never find us!” Salome says with a laugh.

Prayer and waiting “Prayer is such a powerful reality.

Prayer and waiting on the Lord.” If you make spontaneous prayer a habit and keep your eyes open for God, you find him, says Salome. “In church, I saw attitudes change; things were cleared up without a lot of conversation.”

When asked where she’s seen God’s faithfulness, Salome responds, “Everywhere. But particularly, I felt his presence and strength during Jake’s illness.”

Salome loves a challenge (her first job was teaching a one-room school that had run off three teachers the year before), but unlike most problems, in which you work toward a solution and

things get better, with Jake’s Alzheimer’s disease, they were told it would only get worse.

“When Jake first realized that dementia was setting in, he prayed God would preserve his mind.” When that didn’t happen, they asked, How do we pray now? “We decided the Lord’s Prayer has everything in it we need for everyday life,” says Salome.

So, for years, together, every night, they prayed the Lord’s Prayer.

She still prays the same prayer every night: “I don’t think that’s going to change.”

“We wonder what is required of us in our life of faith,” says Salome, “it’s as simple as relying on Jesus’ words.”

The little things Salome continues to lead the women’s Bible study she began 25 years ago. And she’s always looking for women on the fringes.

One Sunday, she found a woman on the church steps who said, “I came to pray, but I’m not sure if I’m welcome.

I’m Hindu.” Salome responded, “Certainly!” “When I got to know her, her landlord was going to put her on the street,” recalls Salome. People from Fort Garry came forward privately with money for her. “She was baptized, and she can’t believe how her life has changed.”

Religion and politics The Canadian Council of Christian Charities reminds charities that they’re free to engage politically through buying newspaper ads to pressure the government; organizing public marches, rallies or conferences; hiring a communications specialist to arrange a media campaign; and urging supporters to contact the government through mail campaigns. Prohibited political activities that jeopardize an organization’s charitable status under the Income Tax Act include inviting a candidate for public office to speak at a charity event without giving the same courtesy to the other candidates or inviting candidates to events that are not of equal opportunity; treating an election campaign team to a meal; publicly endorsing a candidate; and giving money or gifts to a candidate or party.—CCCC.org

“I’d be the last to say I’ve done everything right; I’ve said things I wish I could bite my tongue off after. That sometimes weighs on me,” says Salome. “When it was difficult, I’d say, ‘God, what can I learn?’ rather than get upset about it.”

Her only wish is that she’d had more time to spend with people. While she enjoyed staying home when her children were small, “I was away a lot in the evenings when my youngest was a teenager,” she says. “Today, I think: we missed out on something. Maybe, on the other hand, we were able to help someone. We tried to leave the results to God.” Her advice to women entering ministry is “Be ready to do the little things.”

Some think making pie or soup is menial, but those unseen acts of kindness can be the most important.

“Striving for position doesn’t work too well in spiritual ministry,” she says.

“Respond to nudges from others and take advice.”

Salome recalls inviting a neighbour to her Bible study three years in a row before she came. When Jake was ill, this woman kept Salome fed with produce. “You never know what will come out of the courage to put on your shoes and go,” says Salome. “The biggest gift we have to offer is God with us.”

Live long and prosper Life expectancy in Canada has risen to 80 for males born in 2012 and 84 for females, up from 74 for males and 81 for females born in 1990. Low-income countries showed the greatest progress, with an average increase of 9 years from 1990–2012. The World Health Organization credits the gain in high-income countries to fewer deaths before 60 from heart disease and stroke. Worldwide, much of the improvement in life expectancy is the result of fewer children dying before their 5th birthday, says WHO director general Dr. Margaret Chan. The decline translates to 17,000 fewer children dying every day in 2012 than in 1990. Life expectancy for both men and women remains below 55 years in 9 sub-Saharan African countries.—CBC.ca MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD October 2014

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FAMILY news BIRTHS BECKER – to Clay & Whitney (Braun) of Swift Current, Sask., a son, Blake William, Feb. 27, 2014.

NEUSTAETER – to Ryan & Carly (Chickoski) of Swift Current, Sask., a daughter, Eberly Rose, May 14, 2014.

BRANDES – to Nathan & Jennifer (Bright) of Saskatoon, a son, Malachi Joel, Aug. 8, 2014.

NYULI – to Mark & Candace (Pawliuk) of Osler, Sask., a daughter, Samantha Payton, June 19, 2014.

BRAUN – to Jordie & Kara (Heinrichs) of Swift Current, Sask., a daughter, Berkley Anne, July 14, 2014.

HERMANSON – to Ehren & Karen of Beechy, Sask., a son, Olin Helland, June 7, 2014.

JOHNSON – to Matt & Carrie (Wiens) of Waterloo, Ont., a son, Rhys Aaron Benjamin, Aug. 4, 2014.

KORNELSEN – to Evan & Renita of Winnipeg, a daughter, Demi Berlyn, Aug. 21, 2014.

KOSLOWSKY – to Stuart & Haylie of Winnipeg, a son, Peter Charles, June 17, 2014.

MARTENS – to René & Johanna of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Nolyn Joyelle, Aug. 11, 2014.

MARTINO – to Zulpatar (Martin) & Putri Wahyuni of Edmonton, a son, Evan Benjamin, May 1, 2014.

MCKNIGHT – to Alex & Anita of Portage la Prairie, Man., a son, Kaius Oliver, July 25, 2014.

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REMPEL – to Josh & Stephanie (Braun) of Wymark, Sask., a daughter, Sawyer Elizabeth, Apr. 19, 2014.

SHOEMAKER – to Garth & Lyndsay of Swift Current, Sask., a son, Jacob Justice, Mar. 11, 2014.

SUTTON – to Robbie & Jordie (Wieler) of Swift Current, Sask., a son, Leo Frank, Mar. 5, 2014.

WIEBE – to Ryan & Rachel of Swift Current, Sask., a son, Josiah John, July 17, 2014.

WEDDINGS ichard BANDSMER R of Abbotsford, B.C., & Melanie KLASSEN of Port Moody, B.C., May 31, 2014. alen FROESE & C Danika BAKER, both of Portage la Prairie, Man., Aug. 2, 2014.

T revor MARTEN of Ontario & Nicole PAULS of Manitou, Man., May 31, 2014.

T homas STEINER of Balgonie, Sask., & Vanessa SCHLAMP of Swift Current, Sask., June 14, 2014.

October 2014 www.mbherald.com

TR ANSITIONS Greg Reed began as pastor of family ministries at Waterloo Mennonite Brethren Church Aug. 11, 2014. With a BA (honours economics) from University of Waterloo and a BEd from University of Western Ontario, he has previously served as a vice principal in the Waterloo region and as administrator for Youth Mission International (1993–2001). Greg and Roselynn have 2 adult children.

Kevin and Sherri Guenther Trautwein are sharing the role of assistant pastor at Lendrum Mennonite Brethren Church. They began Aug. 18, 2014, with a ministry focus on children and young families, discipleship and outreach. Kevin received a BA from Ambrose University College, Calgary, and completed an MTS at Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo, Ont. Sherri holds a BTh from Ambrose, an MTS from McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ont., and is currently a doctoral student at Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto with a focus in New Testament. Kevin and Sherri have 1 son, Arthur.

South Abbotsford (B.C.) Church saw changes in its pastoral staff. Steve Berg is back following a term as national director for government affairs for Power to Change. Prior to becoming a director with Power to Change, he spent 7 years as conference minister for the B.C. Mennonite Brethren churches. Steve pastored at South Abbotsford for more than 7 years; he is now serving an 18-month contract as mentor in leadership, preaching and assisting with the church’s transition to a new administration. Lead pastor Matt Ewert grew up in the church and joined its staff as senior high ministries pastor in 2003 following a youth internship. He took on the role of executive pastor in 2009 and transitioned to lead pastor in April 2014.

He has a BA in religious studies from Taylor University College, Edmonton, and is married to Dawn.

Pastor of worship arts David Song holds a BA in

worship arts from Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C., and has previously served as part-time worship staff at Willingdon Church, Burnaby, B.C., 2013–2014; and as part-time youth pastor at Abbotsford Korean Presbyterian Church, 2011–2012.

John Neufeld, lead pastor of Willingdon Church, Burnaby, B.C., resigned at the beginning of September. He served the congregation for 15 years.

In his final sermon, Sept.

7, 2014, John told his congregation he felt it best to leave Willingdon at this time “because of [the church’s] vision and future direction,” but that his love for the people he ministered to “is undiminished.” In 1999, John moved to Willingdon from Abbotsford’s Bakerview MB Church, where he had served as preaching pastor and lead pastor. Prior to that, he taught at Columbia Bible College, and planted Peace Arch Fellowship (now Gracepoint) in Surrey.

God’s sovereignty has been an overarching theme throughout John’s ministry, and he now blogs at meticulouslysovereign. blogspot.ca.

Pastor at Gracepoint Community Church, Surrey, B.C., since 2010, Phil Wagler completes his service with the church in early November to take on the role of training and team health team leader with MB Mission later that month.

College staff and faculty update Bethany College, Hepburn, Sask.

Due to financial and enrollment challenges, Bethany College has reduced its staff and faculty for the 2014/2015 year.

Staff and faculty who will not return include ministry arts director Tim Huebert, donor and alumni relations director Cliff Brandes, librarian Dita Leininger, director of admissions Paul Morgun and long-time staff Jerry Letkeman who has served in student development, interna ships, service learningEand registrar’s Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studie l l a i n the Restorative Justice, Youth Ministry & Theatre Ar office. Academic dean and registrar Rick McCorkindale’s departure in spring 2013 was an early symptom of the current Nurturing disciples and training leaders situation. to serve

b e t h a ny. s k . c a

L E T T E R S continued from page 5 Columbia Bible College (CBC), Abbotsford, B.C.

Employment Opportunity CBC welcomed new staff and faculty Intercultural Studies Director for the 2014/2015 school year. Adjunct This is a full-time faculty position professor and associate faculty teaching which includes teaching as well as Old Testament and theology providing leadershipsince to the curriculum 1999, Jerry Pauls joins and students in the Intercultural Studies Program at Columbia’s biblical Columbia. Agreement with one of the BCMB Conference or MCBC studies faculty this year.

Confession of Faith Statements, the Columbia Mission Statement, and He has completed studthe Responsibility of Community ies at MBBS andMembership Regent Statement as well as being a member in a local supporting College, Vancouver, Conference church are all conditions and served 3 years as a youth in of employment . Forpastor further details Chilliwack, B.C. and submission requirements, please go to www.columbiabc.edu/careers

Stacey Gleddiesmith began as Columbia’s new worship arts director. Stacey has more than 20 years’ experience in worship planning, leadership development, music performance, worship arts, song writing and liturgy. She is passionate about theologically driven worship that transforms the people of God into the unified diversity of the body of Christ.

Claire Suchy takes on the role of counselling services supervisor. She has an MA from Trinity Western University, is certified by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and has experience in Canada and internationally.

Kurtis Kube is the most recent addition to Columbia’s development team. Kurtis holds a BA from Columbia Bible College and an MBA from Azusa Pacific University. Kurtis worked in finance and marketing and has been involved in pastoral ministry for more than 8 years with his wife Karen.

got news?

Contact karla.braun@mbchurches.ca with pastoral transition and church anniversary information.

Three out of four are wrong Re “Reconciling the book of nature with Scripture” (Crosscurrents, August).

Reading the full online review of Four Views on The Historical Adam, it’s clear that three of the views are based on a belief that God used evolution in his creation and that evolution is to be viewed as biblical and scientific.

There’s a problem with this: evolution is the survival of the fittest by bloodshed and death and extinction of the weak.

The Bible says that Adam’s disobedience caused death, disease, thorns and bloodshed. If God used evolution, creation does not then groan from Adam’s original sin because God would have created death and bloodshed in the first place as part of his “good” creation.

Christians need to be far more discerning on this issue. We are not left with the unenviable task of deciding which is the most convincing of the four views about Adam, as the review says. We just have to accept that Jesus really is the Son of God, and he knows more than Darwin and his disciples.

STEVEN NICKEL ABBOTSFORD, B.C.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD October 2014

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Hotel sends Bibles packing

The UK Travelodge chain recently stirred controversy when the Daily Mail publicized their 2007 decision to remove Bibles from their hotel rooms, citing a desire to avoid discriminating against other religions. The Church of England declared the policy “tragic and bizarre.” In August, the U.S. Navy overturned a decision to remove Gideon Bibles from Navy base lodges and guest rooms after a backlash from Christian groups.—travelmole.com

Network to mobilize Israel-Palestine peacemaking

Mennonites have built relationships in IsraelPalestine longer than many other denominations but lack the churchwide effort for peacebuilding of many other Christian groups. Mennonite Palestine Israel Network (MennoPIN) launched at Mennonite Church USA’s 2013 convention in response to a call by Palestine Christian leaders to the church to “speak the Word of God courageously, honestly and lovingly,” “stand alongside the oppressed” and “take a position of truth with regard to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land.” MennoPIN affirms the work being done by Mennonite agencies toward peace in the Middle East including Mennonite Central Committee.— mennoworld.org

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Savin g a child Throughout Moldova, Ukraine and Romania, more than 70,000 children live in state homes often in poor repair because the governments can’t afford to keep the houses in good and safe condition. Throughout the region, many thousands more children are abandoned or orphaned; alone, unprotected, homeless and walking the streets. Many of these kids are kidnapped and forced into the sex trade.

According to one CNN report, 75% of the sex workers in the Netherlands at the moment originate from Eastern European countries such as Romania.

These are children we want to save and need your help to do it. These children need our love and support, often for lengthy periods. We ask that you prayerfully consider sponsoring one of these children today. For just $32.00 a month, the equivalent of a coffee a day, you can bring hope, the love of God and light into the life of an abandoned, at-risk child.

A gift of sponsorship will help us provide emotional, physical and spiritual help to these deserving children.

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Consider today how you might want to give.

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HOLIDAY TRAVEL

COMING EVENTS Pastors Credentialing Orientation June 2015 Winnipeg, Manitoba

Study Conference / AGM October 2015 Winnipeg, Manitoba

presents

Mennonite Heritage Tour of

Poland & Ukraine Trace the footsteps of the early Mennonites

Visit Warsaw, Gdansk, the Vistula Delta, the Elblag villages, Krakow, and Auschwitz in Poland. Then see how the Mennonites settled along the Dnieper River in Ukraine, with visits to the Molotschnaya and Chortitza colonies.

July 6–24, 2015 tour host Len Loeppky

Email: aloeppky@mymts.net Call now to reserve your seat.

www.mennonitebrethren.ca

For more information call Len Loeppky: 1-204-326-2613 or Holiday Travel: 1-800-376-1303 More tour details at www.holiday-travel.ca MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD October 2014

27

C H U R C H S TA FF Pastor

Cornerstone MB Church, Prince Rupert, B.C., is seeking an experienced pastor to minister to a congregation of approximately 40 people. The successful candidate will provide leadership, vision and pastoral care to the congregation and offer the varied and flexible skills required in a smaller setting. The candidate should carry the call of pastor/teacher with a strong evangelistic leaning and have a love for both the church and unchurched in the community. Although not essential, musical abilities would be a great asset. Applications with a cover letter and resume should be made to mbchurch@citytel.net, attention Mr. B. Buhr or call 250-627-1033.

Lead Pastor

St. Ann’s (Ont.) Community Church welcomes applicants for the position of lead pastor. Our church is located 3–5 miles east of Smithville, Ont., in the Niagara Peninsula. We are a congregation of 113 active members with an average weekly attendance of 150–160. Our website is www.stannscommunitychurch.ca. Please send resumes to the elders board c/o David Lackey, board chair, email: davidlackey67@gmail.com.

Lead Pastor

Sardis Community Church, Chilliwack, B.C., is seeking a full-time lead pastor. Please direct resumes and or inquiries to sardisleadpastor @gmail.com.

The Canadian Conference of MB Churches (B.C. office) is seeking a dynamic, creative individual to join our team as full-time

Communications and Media Specialist – B.C. This person will provide creative support to the CCMBC communications team, giving primary attention to the communication and media needs of L2L and C2C. Key responsibilities include creating materials such as promotional pieces, brochures, videos, podcasts and news stories; helping with website design, development and content management for CCMBC websites; and overseeing the integration of GMMiTV.com into CCMBC.

job posting

The successful applicant will be organized, flexible, self-motivated and detail-oriented; possess strong written and verbal communication skills; and be able to work in a distributed team environment. A degree or diploma in communications is an asset, with experience in graphic design, media production and photography. This person must have a passionate personal relationship with Jesus Christ, be a committed member of a local church and exhibit familiarity with the Canadian MB milieu. For a complete job description, see jobs.mbherald.com.

Please send resume and cover letter to Laura Kalmar, 1310 Taylor Ave., Winnipeg, Man., R3M 3Z6, OR laura.kalmar@mbchurches.ca, OR call toll-free 888-669-6575.

Application deadline is October 30, 2014.

40 YEARS of God’s faithfulness 1974 - 2014 Snow Lake Christian Centre anniversary celebration at the annual fall supper, Oct. 18, 2014 Special thanks James Nikkel for his vision.

All Glory and Praise to God.

Fall Reads from Herald Press ElliE’s PEoPlE: An Amish FAmily sAgA, Book Two

Rebecca This beloved series based on the author’s own Amish childhood is now updated for today’s readers. Ages 10 and up. Amish born Rebecca is just as spirited as her mother Ellie. When a Mennonite boy shows an interest in her, Becky is faced with the most difficult decision of her life.

PlAinsPokEn sEriEs, Book onE

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True, small town stories from an Amish schoolteacher and auctioneer. Interesting for the whole family.

ChrisTiAns mEETing muslims sEriEs, Book Four

Christian. Muslim. Friend Twelve Paths to Real Relationship Can Christians and Muslims be real friends? Global missions consultant David Shenk says yes and lays out twelve ways to authentic relationships—characterized by respect, hospitality, and candid dialogue—while still bearing witness to one’s faith.

1-800-245-7894 (USA) • 1-800-631-6535 (Canada) • www.MennoMedia.org 28

October 2014 www.mbherald.com

Finish lines

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.—2 Timothy 4:7

Archie Ruben Heide

treasured employee with several companies after her children started school. She was also self-employed as an oil-on-canvas artist.

Oct. 12, 1932–Nov. 29, 2013

Pauline Bergen July 22, 1926–June 1, 2014

Ida Hildegard Toews Sept. 1, 1921–Jan. 11, 2014 BIRTHPLACE: Hepburn, Sask.

PARENTS: Cornelius C. Heide & Elizabeth Loewen Heide MARRIAGE: Loretta Thomas, May 31, 1955 BAPTISM: Virgil (Ont.) as a teen CHURCH: Fairview MB, St. Catharines, Ont. FAMILY: Loretta; children Randal (Jackie), Janette Schroeder (Bruce), Lisa Kennedy (Steve), Brad (Matt); 7 grandchildren; 1 sister

Archie’s family moved to the Niagara region when he was 6. After graduating from Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kan., Archie completed medical studies at University of Toronto and trained in California. A general and vascular surgeon, Archie practised in St. Catharines, Ont., from 1964 until his retirement in 1999. Dedicated to his work, he also served on the Ontario advisory committee to the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons and on the College’s national council. After moving to St. Catharines, he joined Fairview MB Church and remained a member until his death. Archie loved the outdoors and could name almost any tree. He spent his free time tending his large garden. He also loved fishing with friends and family and taking road trips across North America. The St. Catharines Rotary Club awarded Archie a Paul Harris Fellow for his contributions.

BIRTHPLACE: Blumenort, Ukraine PARENTS: Abraham H. & Martha (Friesen) Toews BAPTISM: North Kildonan, Winnipeg CHURCH: McIvor Avenue, Winnipeg FAMILY: sisters Elfriede Peters, Edith, Helen; nephew Paul

Ida’s family moved to Molotschna, Ukraine, in 1922, and immigrated to Canada in 1925, settling near Arnaud, Man. Walking to her one-room school nurtured a love of nature in Ida and gave her the incentive to join the Manitoba Naturalist Society years later. She completed high school and normal school in Winnipeg and earned BA and BEd degrees from University of Manitoba. Ida taught elementary school in Waldersee, Springstein, St. James and Winnipeg school districts, adding drama and concerts to enhance her classes. In 1960, she made many friends, teaching English at the Maedchen-Gymnasium in Esslingen, Germany. On her return to Winnipeg, she taught high school English and German. A founding member of McIvor Avenue MB Church, Winnipeg, Ida taught Sunday school and, in retirement, enjoyed women’s and seniors’ activities.

Kathleen Banman Oct. 31, 1936–Feb. 6, 2014

Heather Ann Sturgess June 4, 1948–Apr. 24, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: Herbert, Sask.

PARENTS: Peter & Elizabeth Klassen MARRIAGE: Henry Banman, Sept. 27, 1958 CHURCH: Forest Grove, Saskatoon FAMILY: Henry; children Lynette (Neil), Marcia, Ron [d.] (Lauren); 4 grandchildren; 4 siblings

During Kathleen’s 3 years at Briercrest Bible College, Caronport, Sask., she met Henry.

There was no end to Kathleen’s creativity and energy for helping family, friends, neighbours and strangers. She was an artist, seamstress, carpenter, entertainer, gardener, president of women’s clubs and a fundraiser for heart and lung research. In addition to serving her community and church, Kathleen was a

BIRTHPLACE: Montreal PARENTS: Howard & Agnes Seale MARRIAGE: Bill Sturgess [d.]

CHURCH: Sunrise, Edmonton FAMILY: sons Ron (Candace), Kris (Dani); 4 grandchildren; 1 brother

Heather and Bill moved to Alberta, where they raised their family and served as dedicated members of the community. Heather radiated generosity, compassion and warmth to all she met. Her grandchildren were her delight.

Heather loved her family and friends with tremendous passion.

BIRTHPLACE: Borden, Sask.

PARENTS: John J. & Margaret (Derksen) Stobbe, stepmother Susie Friesen MARRIAGE: Henry Bergen, May 22, 1948 [d. Sept.

24, 2001] BAPTISM: South Abbotsford (B.C.), Aug. 23, 1942 CHURCH: East Aldergrove MB (now Ross Road), Central Heights, Clearbrook MB, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY: children Lydia (Philip Hamm), Gerald (Rosemary), Janice (David Slee), Melvin (Jen), Dennis [d. in infancy]; grandchildren; greatgrandchildren

Pauline accepted Jesus as Saviour at 14 at an evangelistic meeting, and she never doubted her salvation. She enjoyed Sunday school, youth choir and chancel choir. She loved to take her Bible and hymnal into the bush where she could sing as loudly as she liked. Her 3 years of Bible school were interrupted by her mother’s death when Pauline was 17. She took responsibility for feeding her dad and 7 brothers. That fall, stepmother Susie Friesen and her 6 children joined the family. Pauline cancelled plans to work at a hospital when her father said she was needed at home. In 1947, Pauline met Henry picking strawberries. Pauline and Henry worked as church librarians and taught Sunday school, VBS and Good News Club together.

Their passions were mission and hospitality: they supported many missionaries, including their own children, and hosted missionaries for extended periods in their home. Pauline loved organizing Stobbe-Friesen family gatherings, making photo albums and keeping everyone connected. She worked in the Menno Home.

Pauline enjoyed gardening, sewing, playing guitar, autoharp and omnichord, and singing duets with Henry. When he died suddenly, it was a hard blow for her. Her favourite Scripture was Philippians 4:4–8.

Rudy Henry Janzen Aug. 20, 1925–June 7, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: Mariawohl, Ukraine PARENTS: Henry (H.H.) & Katherine Janzen MARRIAGE: Erica Mathies, 1948 BAPTISM: Waterloo, Ont., 1940s

"

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD October 2014

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CHURCH: Lucky Lake (Sask.); Herbert (Sask.) MB; Greendale (B.C.) MB; Kennedy Heights MB, Delta, B.C.; Komoka, Ont.; Zion, Kitchener, Ont.; Kitchener MB FAMILY: Erica; children David (Laura), Kathie (David [d.]) McNamara, 2 sons [d. in infancy]; 5 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 5 siblings

Rudy’s family immigrated to Canada shortly after his birth, settling in Kitchener, Ont. Rudy’s father baptized him. After graduating from Waterloo (Ont.) College, Rudy continued seminary studies while pastoring and teaching at MB churches and schools.

He served the B.C. corrections department as probation officer and court counsellor for dysfunctional families and youth. Through Mennonite Central Committee, he helped start prison visitation projects across Canada. Rudy promoted Christian group home programs. He was honoured with the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 for initiating the Toronto area drinking and driving awareness courses. He served on MCC and denominational committees and visited the Caribbean with Erica to assist faith-based organizations. As Ontario MB conference home missions director, he started Komoka Community Church. He was chaplain at University of Western Ontario, the London (Ont.) Men’s Mission and various nursing homes and member of the interfaith chaplaincy board at Queen’s Park. His life was a humble service to God.

Agnes Wiebe Mar. 9, 1924–June 17, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: Alexanderkrone, Ukraine PARENTS: Jacob & Sara Wiebe BAPTISM: Aug. 3, 1941 CHURCH: Steinbach (Man.) MB FAMILY: sister Elsie (Tony); 4 nephews; 6 greatnephews & great-nieces

Agnes’s family immigrated to Canada when she was young. After completing grade 11, she received a permit teaching position at a 2-room school in Moray school district. She commuted 10 miles from Steinbach, Man., often walking part of the way. After a year at the Steinbach Royal Bank, Agnes attended business college in Winnipeg. Her first career was at the Red River Health Unit for the Department of Health. An operating room technician course at Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, convinced her she would not be a nurse. She returned to Steinbach to become an agricultural secretary for the Department of Agriculture. Here she made many friends and was highly respected.

Agnes went on several music tours to Europe with the Howard Dycks. Golf became a passion she continued as long as she could walk. After a broken hip and diagnosis of congestive heart failure, she moved into assisted living.

Hospital where they both worked. In 1960, they moved to Chilliwack, B.C., where Sophie worked in the hospital kitchen and as janitor in the Full Gospel Church. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, gardening and toile work. In 1997, Sophie and John retired to Steinbach, Man., then Winnipeg, but after her health declined, they returned to B.C. In Tabor Home, Abbotsford, John sang to Sophie, while she moved her lips.

He bought a wheelchair-friendly van, so they could enjoy drives in the country together.

Alma Bartel Dec. 28, 1912–June 14, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: Wymyschle, Poland PARENTS: David & Wilhelmine Ratzlaff MARRIAGE: Paul Schulz, 1944 [d.]; Richard Bartel, 1950 [d.]

CHURCH: Lendrum MB, Edmonton FAMILY: children Peter [d. 2008], Marie, Henry, Richard [d. 2011]; 2 siblings

Alma’s husband Paul died in WWII, and after the war, Alma immigrated to Canada with their young son, settling in Coaldale, Alta. There she met Richard Bartel, whom she knew from Poland.

They married, had three children, and in 1956, moved to Edmonton, where Alma became a long-standing member of Lendrum MB Church.

David Michael Ratzlaff June 17, 1973–June 9, 2014

Sofia (Sophie) Braun Mar. 4, 1933–June 17, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: Chilliwack, B.C. PARENTS: Heinz & Edith Ratzlaff BAPTISM: Salem Evangelical, Bridgeland, Alta.

CHURCH: Highland MB, Calgary FAMILY: parents, siblings Keith (Lidija), Annette (Marcel) Matte, Julie (Dean) Hoff; nieces & nephews

David graduated from James Fowler High School, Calgary, Alta., in 1991. After a year at Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C., David studied art at the Alberta College of Art and Design, Calgary. He grew to love many outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking and snowshoeing. David worked at Mona Lisa Artists’ Materials, Quickdraw Animation Society and, most recently, at West Canadian Industries.

As a child and young adult, David made important faith commitments and was baptized by his father. His family will remember his kind, loving demeanour. June 5, 2014, he told his family his plan to hike on June 7. Unfortunately, David slipped and had a fatal fall.

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October 2014 www.mbherald.com

BIRTHPLACE: Michelkova Lipnau, Poland PARENTS: Gustav & Helena (Kiesselbach) Ziesmann MARRIAGE: John Braun, May 12, 1956 CHURCH: Clearbrook MB, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY: John; children Ron, Marlene

During WWII, Sophie’s family moved to Germany, where her father was conscripted.

Her mother returned the family to Poland. Here she was arrested and suffered for her husband’s service to Germany, and Sophie and her siblings were sent to a farm as slave labourers. After 6 years, their mother was released. Sophie sent a letter to an address in Germany she saw in a dream and thereby found her father, reuniting the family. In 1953, Sophie immigrated to Canada, settling close to an aunt in Winnipeg.

As a child, she was confirmed in a Lutheran Church, and in Canada, rededicated her life and was baptized in a Full Gospel Church. Sophie met John Braun at the Winnipeg General

Wilbert Nic Dick Aug. 11, 1933–June 23, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: New Hamburg, Ont. PARENTS: Gerhard K. & Barbara A. (Neufeld) Dyck MARRIAGE: Betty Suderman, May 1954 BAPTISM: Virgil (Ont.) MB (now Cornerstone) CHURCH: Orchard Park, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. FAMILY: Betty; children Jim (Eleanor), Fred (Connie), Barb (Siegmar) Pulst, Gerry [d.]; 10 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 1 sister

Wilbert came to know Jesus in Sunday school in New Hamburg, Ont. He gained a strong work ethic from his dad – a respected window maker, and demonstrated his mother’s gentle spirit as he cared for his sister Elsie, who became mentally challenged. He delivered eggs on roller skates. Wilbert lent a hand to anyone in trouble, having learned from the Father that everyone needs grace. He studied bookkeeping in night school. At Virgil MB Church, he fell in love with Betty. A charter member of Orchard Park Bible Church, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., Wilbert taught Sunday school and boys’ club and served

as trustee, treasurer and pastoral search committee member. Wilbert loved trains and enjoyed a promising career for 14 years with CP/CN as railroad inspector and auditor. When the railway asked him to move, rather than uproot his family, Wilbert chose a career change, settling into the appliance business and political involvement.

He served as school trustee, alderman, regional councillor, lord mayor and regional chairman.

Wilbert always made time for family road trips.

He restored a 1924 Ford Model T. He was keenly aware of his grandchildren’s projects and dreams.

1981, the year Wilbert met the Queen Mother, his son Gerry died in a motorcycle accident, a defining moment over which Wilbert continued to struggle quietly. Wilbert’s last day was spent in joy at his church picnic.

Margaret Stickel May 15, 1921–June 24, 2014

MARRIAGE: Alvin Siemens, 1963 CHURCH: Bakerview, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY: Alvin; children Dawnette, Heather, Curtis; 4 grandsons; granddaughter Yvonne [d.]; her mother; 3 siblings

Mary Ellen grew up on a wheat farm and spent part of her childhood in California while her father was in seminary. She accepted Jesus as Saviour at 9 and was baptized in the Cimarron River. Mary Ellen attended Tabor College for a year and a half and finished her second year at Columbia Bible School, Abbotsford, B.C., where she met Alvin. They moved to Prince George, B.C., where Alvin worked as an auto mechanic and construction worker. When work became slow, they moved to the Fraser Valley, B.C., where they had their own housing contractor and construction business. Mary Ellen enjoyed singing in Dayspring, Bakerview Church’s lady’s group. She could recall Bible memory verses at a moment’s notice.

met Abe picking flowers when she was 3.

When they married, he had $200 and a cow.

They started their abattoir in Ste. Anne, Man., and in 1957, established it in Blumenort, Man., as Bergmann Meat Products. Margaret was a wonderful partner, and they worked long hours together. In retirement, they build a small farm near Ste. Anne. Margaret served Steinbach MB Church by quilting, baking cookies for camp, folding bulletins and taking people out for pizza. After Abe was diagnosed with cancer in 1994, he moved Margaret closer to her sisters in Steinbach. (Known as the “perishky sisters,” they delivered fresh meat buns to hurting friends.) He also asked his friend Bill Lepp to take care of Margaret after he was gone.

Abe’s death left a void, but Margaret kept her family strong through prayer and kindness. She encouraged them with a fist pump and “keep on keeping on.”

Louise Wiebe BIRTHPLACE: Podolsk, Ukraine PARENTS: Johann & Maria Reimer MARRIAGE: Adam Stickel, Jan. 27, 1952 [d.]

BAPTISM: Coaldale (Alta.) MB FAMILY: children Audrey (John) Blaylock, Ron; 6 siblings

Margaret’s family immigrated to Canada in 1924, settling in Fairholme, Sask. After 12 years, during the Depression, they moved to Coaldale, Alta.

Because of poverty and the need for help at home, Margaret wasn’t able to continue her education beyond grade school. She accepted Jesus as Saviour in her youth and was baptized into Coaldale MB Church, where she remained a faithful member her whole life. Through various life experiences, she said, “God is still in control.”

Her single years were spent as a housekeeper in Coaldale, Lethbridge and Waterton, Alta., and as a cook in the Coaldale hospital. She found joy in raising her children. Adam built a home in Lethbridge in 1957, where Margaret lived until 2011, but Coaldale MB remained her church home. In retirement, Margaret kept active walking, bowling, travelling, creating needlepoint art and knitting for Blankets for Canada.

Her last 3 years were in Sunny South Lodge, Coaldale. Though her activities became more limited, her smile and love continued to shine.

Mary Ellen Siemens May 24, 1941–June 30, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: Fairview, Okla.

PARENTS: Peter & Ella Martens

Reuben Joseph Butlin

Sept. 22, 1919–July 5, 2014

Feb. 3, 2014–July 2, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: Calgary PARENTS: Daniel & Alana Butlin CHURCH: Highland MB, Calgary FAMILY: parents; siblings Nicholas, Luciana; grandparents; aunts & uncles; cousins

Reuben was just starting to interact and explore the world around him, watching everything.

His family enjoyed every moment they had and will miss his wonderful smile. The memorial at Highland MB Church was filled with music, Scripture, tears and trust in God’s faithfulness.

Margaret Bergmann Aug. 12, 1926–July 2, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: Steinbach, Man. PARENTS: Abram A. & Elizabeth Regehr; stepmother Margaret Janzen MARRIAGE: Abe Bergmann, Oct. 13, 1946 [d. 1996] BAPTISM: Steinbach (Man.) MB FAMILY: children John (Margaret), Irene (Gerald Giesbrecht); 4 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters

As a child, Margaret enjoyed baseball. A year after her mother’s death, Margaret gained a caring stepmother. Margaret accepted Jesus as Saviour at an evangelistic meeting. She attended school until Grade 8, then stayed home to help on their dairy farm. She first

BIRTHPLACE: Dalmeny, Sask.

PARENTS: Wilhelm T. & Mary (Schultz) Thiessen MARRIAGE: William A. Wiebe, Aug. 18, 1944 [d. 2006] CHURCH: Bakerview, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY: daughters Karen (Bill) Parchomchuk, Phyllis (Taisto) Heinonen, Ellen (Allan Oas), Audrey (Stan) Loewen; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 1 sister

Louise grew up behind the family business: the post office and general store. After high school, she attended business college in Saskatoon, and during the war, worked in several government services in Ottawa, where she met William. They lived first in Beechy, Sask., then in Saskatoon. The family moved in 1947 to Abbotsford, B.C., where Bill continued teaching. Louise and Bill loved travelling together, visiting every continent but Antarctica. They lived and worked in Nigeria, Singapore and Kansas, but always returned to their home base in Abbotsford. A creative homemaker and gracious hostess, Louise expressed herself in excellent cooking, beautifully sewn clothing for her girls and colourful quilts to warm every family member. Calm, steady and cheerful, she always made the best of things. Her faith was strong, and she prayed daily for her family by name.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD October 2014

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Put the cookies on the bottom shelf Varied resources encourage daily Bible reading ne of the challenges facing churches today is a decline in daily Bible reading.

To make God’s Word part of daily life, Waterloo Mennonite Brethren Church has developed a daily reading plan and posts Scripture verses on Facebook. People are encouraged to leave comments and questions about the readings.

“The Bible is God’s manual for life,” says Chris Stevens, pastor of the church.

“Everyone wants to know the personal will of God for their lives. If you don’t know what’s in the Bible, you can’t discover God’s will for your life.”

A Canadian Bible Engagement Study commissioned by the Canadian Bible Forum and the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada shows that only 14 percent of Canadians who identify as Christian read the Bible at least once a week. Weekly Bible reading in Canada has fallen by half since 1996.

The survey reveals the frequency of Bible reading is much the same for older and younger people, a change

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October 2014 www.mbherald.com

since 1996 when older people read the Bible more frequently.

Daily meditation A Bible verse that inspires Stevens toward daily Bible reading, reflection and prayer is Joshua 1:8: “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

“When people read God’s Word, they are pursuing him and who he is,” says Stevens. “It allows you to focus on what is good, holy and right.”

Lack of time, Stevens says, is often given as an excuse for not reading the Bible. When he was pastor of The Gathering in Ottawa, the church addressed this issue by recording a devotional CD with five-minute readings and reflections on the four Gospel books.

Most people listened to the CD during their commute to work.

“It was a huge success – about 80 percent of the church heard all four Gospels this way.”

Stevens has also compiled some of his research for sermons into a booklet of trivia questions to help people gain a

PHOTO: COURTESY WATERLOO MB

O

Chris Stevens

deeper understanding of God and God’s will for their lives.

Reading the Bible with understanding, he says, helps people recognize that the Bible is as relevant today as it was when it was written.

Application To “unlock what is applicable for their lives” he suggests readers reflect on three questions. What was the message to the original audience? Given the context, what’s the transferable truth for today?

How can you personally apply this truth to your life?

Stevens also encourages people to use online resources and study Bibles to learn more about the context, jot down notes while reading the Bible and keep prayer journals.

Other suggestions that have proven helpful for daily Bible reading, reflection and prayer include placing Bibles or photocopies of Bible passages throughout the house and integrating praying with daily activities. For example, place the Bible in a bathroom and make a habit to pray for others while washing your hair.

“Finding simple ways to engage everyone in reading the Bible is crucial,” he says. “It‘s like putting the cookies on the bottom shelf.”

Gladys Terichow is a writer for the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches.

Read the full-length reviews online under Arts & Culture at www.mbherald.com

CURRENT books Following Jesus: Biblical Reflections on Discipleship (updated edition) N.T. WRIGHT Eerdmans right proves that discipleship and theology belong together.

Discipleship without theology risks mirroring the legalism of ages past, and theology without discipleship risks becoming mere belief that creates an illusion of faithfulness.

Together, however, theology and discipleship reveal the path of following Jesus to be about our whole selves, individually and together, as we seek to love God with our heart, soul, mind and strength.—David Warkentin, Praxis director, C.B.C.

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Prodigal Christianity: Ten Signposts Into the Missional Frontier DAVID E. FITCH AND GEOFF HOLSCLAW Jossey-Bass he challenges of North American culture make Christianity both unintelligible and unbelievable to the average person. But rather than lament that, David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw point out steps to express the gospel of Jesus Christ as truly good news to people who desperately need to hear it. Prodigal Christianity describes 10 signposts that could mark a true third way for the North American church.— Brian Cooper, MBBS

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Planted: A Story of Creation, Calling, and Community LEAH KOSTAMO Cascade Books f anyone should be motivated to take delight in the world around us, it should be someone who worships a creator

I

God. Vancouver writer Leah Kostamo attempts to do just that in Planted.

Kostamo and her husband Markku are the founders of a Canadian arm of A Rocha, a Christian conservancy that has projects in 20 countries around the world. In this book, she relates the story of A Rocha in Canada through engaging anecdotes. Her writing is tempered with humility and balance in her message to “live mindfully as stewards of God’s creation.”—Harold Jantz, River East, Winnipeg

personal life within the larger context of the Israelites’ experiences. It’s a good read, especially for young adults evaluating their talents, testing their loyalties and considering their options in life.—Elma Martens Schemenauer

Fully Alive: A Biblical Vision of Gender That Frees Men and Women to Live Beyond Stereotypes

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LARRY CRABB Baker Book House hat do the terms masculine and feminine mean to you?

In the ongoing conversation launched at our study conference last fall and continuing in 2015, MBs are exploring both the biblical and cultural definitions of gender and their implications for our witness and mission. In his compelling book Fully Alive, Christian psychologist and author Larry Crabb calls us to push beyond stereotypes or cultural misappropriations into the territory of careful biblical study.

The book is a fascinating exploration with many helpful case studies.—Brad Sumner, Jericho Ridge, Langley, B.C.

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Destiny’s Hands VIOLET NESDOLY Word Alive Press estiny’s Hands presents the story of the Israelite exodus from Egypt through the eyes of Bezalel, a young Israelite grappling with questions about his talents. Bethany Bible College graduate and author Violet Sperling Nesdoly is a good plotter, skillfully presenting conflicts in Bezalel’s

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The Locust Effect: Why the End of Poverty Requires the End of Violence GARY A. HAUGEN AND VICTOR BOUTROS Oxford University Press his book by the founder of International Justice Mission is about a plague destroying billions of our impoverished global neighbours – a locust-like plague of violence. Haugen’s conviction that “the end of poverty requires the end of violence” could have come by way of Anabaptist theology, but it didn’t. It emerged from his experience at massacre sites as director of the UN investigation of the Rwandan genocide. Haugen subsequently put his faith to work by starting International Justice Mission. This book gives personal and penetrating stories about the problems of everyday violence and transforming stories of hope.—David Esau, Eagle Ridge

WEB note www.dove.org

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o you wish reviews would address the value questions you have about a movie? The Dove Foundation was created by parents who began reviewing and rating films “based on traditional Judeo-Christian values.”

In addition to these “faith friendly” reviews of new movies, the website of the nonprofit entertainment organization also offers streaming and downloads of “family appropriate” films using the YEKRA digital platform.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD October 2014

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Intersection

of faith & life

Presence in a broken world M AT T DYC K

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he news bleeds through television screens, Facebook news feeds and Twitter accounts. Ongoing war in the Middle East and acute persecution of Iraqi Christians (along with others) weighs on the hearts and minds of people around the globe.

Surveying the flood of information, I wrestle yet again with the problem of evil and long for God to do something, to fix this. I play Bruce Cockburn’s “If I Had A Rocket Launcher” and resonate with the vindictive plans that seem to be at odds with my anemic Anabaptist pacifism.

Like many before me, I look to Jesus to fix it.

What about today?

One day in the midst of this news, while I was continuing a study of John’s Gospel, I came to John 11. This is the story of the death and resurrection of Jesus’ friend Lazarus. Lazarus’s sister Martha confronts Jesus: Martha: If you would have been here my brother would not have died!

Jesus: Martha, I am the resurrection and the life. Your brother will rise again.

Martha: I know he will rise someday, and that you will make everything right, but what about today? (vs. 21–27) .

We, like Martha, want Jesus to fix the broken condition of our world.

But before realizing their hopes, Jesus encounters Lazarus’s other sister, Mary, who is weeping.

“Jesus was deeply moved [embrimaomai] and troubled” (v. 33).

The Greek word indicates that the essence of his emotion is anger. Jesus is deeply indignant that Lazarus is dead. (Remember “If I had a rocket launcher…”?) Death is an intruder.

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October 2014 www.mbherald.com

Death terrorizes what belonged to God alone.

Then…Jesus wept. Along with the sisters, he wept.

But why is Jesus so angry, why is he weeping when he knows Lazarus is about to be brought back to life? Why does Jesus feel such sorrow when he embodies the very hope that will swallow up that sorrow?

It seems that Jesus came to do more than fix what is broken. The anger and the tears speak to this. The biblical narrative reveals a God who continually chooses to be present –

of the Holy Spirit – this incarnational ministry that seeks to reconcile a broken world to a loving God. This begs the question: Do the people watching us exclaim, “See how they loved them”?

There is no doubt that acting and speaking for those who are oppressed and have no voice is a non-negotiable part of being a disciple of Jesus. However, an aspect of discipleship often gets missed in our world of quick solutions, particularly when we feel helpless and confused as to what to do. This aspect is

From Eden until today, relationship is part of what fixing it is really all about. often without any immediate change in circumstances. From Eden until today, relationship is part of what fixing it is really all about. If our solutions do not originate from the incarnational heart, they are not the Jesus way. And if pacifism is not clothed in presence, it is not the Jesus way.

The miracle of presence As the surrounding Jews see Jesus weeping, they exclaim, “See how he loved him!” It’s easy for the miracle of the resurrection in this story to overshadow the miracle of our God who became flesh and chose to cry tears with those who are still waiting for resurrection.

The church is to be Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:16–6:1).

We are to continue – in the power

presence – more specifically, compassionate presence (“compassion” literally means “to suffer with”).

As disciples, when we do not know what to do we should still know how to be. That is where I often lose sight of the one I am seeking to follow.

We must learn to be present and suffer with those who are suffering.

As I look to Jesus and say, “Where are you? Why don’t you fix this?” I have a sense he is looking back at me saying, “I’m here. Where are you? Why are you not weeping with me?”

Matt Dyck is Fish Creek Campus pastor at SunWest Christian Fellowship, Calgary.

May 12th & 13th, 2015 / Toronto, Ontario

thinking about...

Starting another service?

Daughtering a new church?

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Planting a church?

Multi-site options?

Then “Multiply” is for you. Come be inspired by Canadian pastors/leaders who have navigated their churches through the challenges of multiplication.

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MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD October 2014

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BECOMING THE LEADER GOD WANTS YOU TO BE

• Live training events and seminars • Connecting with leaders who have faced your challenges • Helping you discern how God wants you to grow • Spiritual renewal and theological enrichment • Skills development

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October 2014 www.mbherald.com